Dozens of Canada Post workers with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) held a rally outside Halifax West MP Lena Diab’s office to send a clear message to Ottawa.
“We’re doing this across the country, and we want MPs to tell Canada Post to return to the bargaining table,” said Dwayne Corner, CUPW’s local president. He added that the union hopes the federal government will step in, like it did during the recent Air Canada flight attendants’ strike.
Talks between the union and Canada Post have been going on for over 21 months without a deal. Last month, the union rejected what Canada Post called its final offer.
Although workers ended their overtime ban, they are now refusing to deliver commercial flyers. “We’re hoping this action pushes them to come back to the table,” Corner said.
Canada Post responded in a statement, saying the decision affects thousands of Canadian businesses that depend on flyers to reach customers. The company also said it impacts CUPW members, who earn extra pay for delivering flyers.
Customers are split on the issue. “No, not at all,” said one customer who was happy not to receive flyers. But another said, “I like to price match. If I don’t get my flyer, I can’t price match,” explaining that flyers help them save money on groceries.
Workers say they’re fighting for fair wages, better health and safety, more public services, and secure retirement.
Canada Post says it has lost over $5 billion since 2018 and that big workplace changes are needed to keep the company sustainable in the future.
