Striking postal union workers left without medical insurance

There is no medical insurance coverage for Canada Post workers while on strike and for those who need regular prescriptions the consequences are proving to be devastating.
At least one postal worker in Medicine Hat is affected. 
Dr. Gaylord Wardell, anesthesiologist and pain management specialist in Medicine Hat has spoken to insurance underwriters who said they've taken hundreds of calls from patients in a quandary.
"Canada Post really represents Canadians and this is a very heavy handed action to force a settlement," said Wardell. "Some patients on two or three pain medications are looking at $1,000 to fill their prescription. They need this in order to go to work."
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers confirmed the suspension of medical coverage has become a bargaining chip with the union who are being told to pick up the tab of between $10 million and $13 million to cover their members.
"Never before have we seen such an attack on postal workers," said Gord Fischer, national director, Canada Post prairie region. "They have cancelled all benefits."
Wardell says regardless of support for unions or not he wonders about the ethics in this approach and he is concerned about possible serious consequences for peoples health.
The Canadian union of Postal Workers has a very limited income compared to that of Canada Post, which Fischer estimates to be billions of dollars. He says they have 45,000 members and about half are probably affected medically by the decision including some with serious and/or chronic illnesses. 
"One person just had surgery this week and needs a prescription filled," said Fischer.
The Union considers the rotating strike to be a small inconvenience for Canadians and feels the government has taken drastic measures.
Late on Friday afternoon Canada Post agreed to provide a measure of medical coverage for the workers. A spokesperson for the union said it still falls far short of the regular benefits.