The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) received notices Tuesday from Canada Post Corporation that postal workers will be locked out of work on Friday morning if agreements cannot be reached for the Urban Postal Operations and Rural and Suburban Mail Carriers (RSMC) bargaining units.
These notices came eight hours after CUPW issued its own 72-hour strike notice.
“Our goal has always been to reach negotiated collective agreements that support the long-term success of our public post office, while addressing the real issues our members face daily,” said Jan Simpson, CUPW National President. “Canada Post has the ability to make that happen without any job action, but it needs to come to the bargaining table and resolve both new and longstanding issues.”
CUPW and Canada Post have been bargaining for almost a year. The union is asking for fair wages, safer working conditions and the right for workers, today and in the future, to retire with dignity, and new services at the public post office.
“Postal workers are the face of the corporation and some of the most trusted worker in the country. We are proud to serve our communities, and we want to continue to do the job we love,” said Simpson. “We’re not just bargaining for ourselves; we’re bargaining for the public and for all workers. Too many people have fallen behind over the last few years while executives’ salaries keep rising,” adds Simpson. “When unionized workers make gains, it lifts up all communities, bringing widespread benefits. We are committed to negotiating the best collective agreements possible for our members while also protecting the valued and cherished public postal service.”
Canada Post says in the event CUPW initiates rotating strike activity, Canada Post intends to continue delivering while working to reach negotiated agreements. “However, the ongoing possibility of a labour disruption has been significantly eroding Canada Post’s volumes and escalating the negative financial impact on the company,” states a news release.
Canada Post has notified the union that unless new agreements are reached, the current collective agreements will no longer apply as of Friday. The corporation will then be in a position, using the means provided in the Canada Labour Code, to adjust operations based on its operational realities and business needs.
In the event of a labour disruption, the corporation says it will work to minimize service disruptions, but customers may experience delays.
Delivered parcel volumes have been in an accelerating decline since CUPW announced its strike mandate on Oct. 25. Last week, Canada Post’s parcel volumes declined by 28 per cent compared to the same week of the previous year. That represents 1.3 million parcels – or more than a day’s worth of delivered parcels at this time of year – that went to competitors instead of Canada Post. With CUPW’s strike notice, the company expects this trend to accelerate.
“A labour disruption would affect the millions of Canadians and businesses that rely on the postal service, and deepen the company’s already serious financial situation. It is critical that both parties focus their energies on resolving issues to reach negotiated agreements.
Canada Post is rapidly falling behind in today’s highly competitive, customer- focused parcel delivery market. In the first half of 2024, the company recorded a loss from operations of $490 million. Since 2018, the corporation has lost more than $3 billion. To secure the future of the business, the Corporation needs a more flexible and affordable delivery model that allows it to deliver seven days a week and quickly respond to the needs of customers. Without these changes, the significant challenges facing Canada Post will intensify.
Canada Post says its recent global offers ensure current employees don’t lose ground by protecting the defined benefit pension, job security provisions, leave entitlements and health benefits, while proposing competitive wage increases.
Canada Post and CUPW have agreed to continue the delivery of socio- economic cheques during any upcoming labour disruption, for eligible and participating government organizations. The agreement ensures government financial assistance delivered by mailwill reach seniors and other Canadians who rely on it. Socio-economic cheques for the month of November will be delivered on Nov. 20. Canadians will receive their cheques the same way they normally receive their mail.