Canada Post and Postal Workers Union Resume Talks Ahead of Possible Strike
Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) are set to resume negotiations on Wednesday, just weeks before their collective agreements expire on May 22. Both sides are working to secure a deal and avoid a potential labour disruption that could begin as early as that date.
Last year’s national strike by postal workers was suspended to allow the federal Industrial Inquiry Commission to review key points of contention and offer recommendations. As a result, the existing collective agreements were temporarily extended.
“Our priority remains reaching collective agreements that reflect necessary changes at the bargaining table,” said Lisa Liu, a Canada Post spokesperson, in a statement to CTVNews.ca. “However, we are also preparing for various outcomes, including a possible labour disruption after May 22. We will continue to update customers and the public.”
Liu noted that Canada Post and CUPW are participating in two days of mediated talks this week after discussions broke down in March without a resolution. She added that, at the mediator’s request, no further comments on the discussions would be shared for now.
The Industrial Inquiry Commission is expected to deliver its final report and recommendations to the Minister of Labour by May 15.
In a press release issued Tuesday, CUPW said negotiations would continue if meaningful progress is made but acknowledged the difficulty of the current bargaining round.
“It’s no secret that this has been a challenging round of bargaining for all of us,” said Jan Simpson, CUPW’s national president. She emphasized the union’s goals of achieving fair wages, enhanced health and safety protections, stronger job security, and a dignified retirement for members.
Canada Post’s month-long strike late last year severely disrupted mail delivery nationwide before federal intervention brought employees back to work in December.
In January, Canada Post CEO Doug Ettinger told the Industrial Inquiry Commission that the organization is facing serious financial pressures and urgently needs to adapt to ensure its survival.
