The threat of a postal strike is looming again, Canada Post is warning in a news release issued Wednesday. (Keith Lacey file photo)
With contract negotiations having reached an impasse, it’s looking more and more like there could be a strike at Canada Post that would disrupt postal service across Canada.
Late Wednesday afternoon, a press release issued by Canada Post stated, “following nine months of negotiations between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), it is clear that talks have reached an impasse.
“The postal service must adapt to its new reality as Canadians lead increasingly digital lives. The union has unfortunately shown no interest in addressing the fundamental issues that threaten the long-term future of the postal service. They are now focused on prolonging their strike mandate and the uncertainty it continues to cause for employees and Canadians.”
The union’s 60-day strike mandate, based on a vote by their membership earlier this year, is set to expire on Thursday, Aug. 25.
Rather than secure the renewed support of their members through a vote, the union is looking at other ways to extend their strike mandate, said the release.
“They are looking for the corporation’s support to extend the strike mandate on behalf of employees, which is unprecedented and would be completely inappropriate,” said the release. “It would only provide further uncertainty for employees and Canadians. Therefore, Canadians could expect a 72-hour strike notice to be issued by the union between now and August 25.”
Canada Post said it remains committed to negotiating agreements that are fair to our employees, and allow us to continue to provide affordable pricing and service to Canadians.
After nine months of negotiations, there has been little progress on significant issues.
CUPW’s demands, worth more than a billion dollars, would make Canada Post products and services completely unaffordable, said the corporation.
Damage to the financial sustainability of the postal service in Canada would be significant, said the release.
Canada Post must make changes to ensure the postal system remains viable for employees and Canadians. In his comprehensive August 15,
On July 8, Canada Post proposed binding arbitration to avoid further harm to the business and end uncertainty for our employees and thousands of small businesses and Canadians who depend on the postal service. The union rejected that suggestion.
Canada Post management says the union’s ability to issue a 72-hour strike notice at any time is causing havoc with our customers’ business and their ability to reliably and predictably get product and information to their customers.
The union has repeatedly assured Canadians that it does not want to strike, therefore, letting the strike mandate expire on August 25 should not be an issue, says Canada Post.
“If the union is serious about negotiating a deal without work disruption, Canada Post remains available to sit 24/7 at the table to hammer out a deal before August 25,” said the release.
