The Saskatchewan government is putting measures into place that will cover social services clients in the event of a Canada Post strike.

The union representing the Crown corporation employees issued a 72-hour strike notice on Thursday, meaning that job action could start as early as Sunday.

Starting on Tuesday, clients on SAP, TEA, SAID, Cognitive Disability, and Approved Private Service Home level of care will be able to visit distribution centres and ministry services centres to pick up their assistance cheques.

Clients will need to bring photo ID, or two other forms of government issued ID to pick up their cheques. Trustees for clients will have to supply photo ID, and a letter on agency letterhead allowing them to pick up cheques on behalf of a client.

The province is also encouraging clients who have the option to switch to direct deposit in order to minimize disruptions in their payments.

The full list of distribution centres is available online.

The federal government is still hopeful that a strike can be averted. On Friday, Employment and Labour Minister MaryAnn Mihychuk said that another mediator had been appointed to the mediation team to help the two sides come to an agreement.

“I am hopeful that this will bring a new perspective to the negotiating table, which could motivate the parties to find a solution and move beyond their current impasse.” Mihychuk said in a written statement on Friday.