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EU Clamps Down on Russian Travel with Stricter Visa Rules

                                      EU tightens rules for multiple-entry Schengen visas for Russian passport holders The European Union has introduced tougher visa restrictions for Russian nationals, ending the practice of granting multiple-entry permits. Under the new rules, Russians will need to apply for a fresh visa each time they wish to enter the bloc. Officials say the change is aimed at tightening security and preventing misuse of travel privileges. The move comes amid heightened concerns over migration, sabotage, and other risks linked to Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Exceptions will remain in place for certain groups, including dissidents, independent journalists, human rights defenders, and family members of EU citizens. Transport workers may also qualify for short-term multi-entry visas to keep essential services running. EU leaders emphasized that tr...

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Canada Post Resumes Operations Tuesday After Month-Long Strike

 

 Mail is set to begin moving again on Tuesday, December 17, after a month-long strike by Canada Post employees. The Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) ordered the postal workers back to work, declaring an impasse in negotiations between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW).

While operations will technically resume on Tuesday, Canada Post has warned that it will take time to clear the backlog of packages and letters that accumulated during the strike. The company will not receive or pick up new products until Thursday, December 19, and will start accepting new international mail on December 23.

Canadians should expect delays into January 2025, and post office hours of operation may vary as the company ramps up operations. The CIRB has extended the current collective agreements until May 22, 2025, to allow for continued negotiations.

Canada Post and the union have agreed to implement a five percent wage increase, retroactive to the day after the collective agreements expired. Key issues in the dispute included wage increases and a push by Canada Post to expand delivery to the weekend.

The federal government had initially resisted intervening in the dispute but eventually directed the CIRB to order the workers back to work. Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon emphasized the need to address the structural issues facing Canada Post and find a sustainable solution.

As operations resume, Canada Post is committed to providing customers with as much information as possible regarding specific timelines and capacity. The company is also working to ensure that employees are compensated fairly during this transition period.




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