Canada Post and union return to bargaining table with federal mediators

Negotiators for the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) and Canada Post resumed contract talks June 5, with assistance from federal mediators.

The renewed discussions come a day after Labour Minister Patty Hajdu urged both parties to return to the bargaining table and focus on two priorities: working with mediators to negotiate terms for an arbitration process, and continuing efforts to reach new collective agreements.

CUPW said the parties have begun exchanging proposals on the terms of reference for interest-based binding arbitration, including which issues could be brought forward and the criteria an arbitrator would consider.

The union criticized Canada Post for requesting a forced vote on its offer, saying it mobilized quickly to pressure the federal government to remain neutral in the bargaining process.

CUPW maintains its goal is to secure agreements that meet the needs of postal workers and strengthen the public postal service.