Canada Post rejects CUPW call for binding arbitration

Canada Post has rejected a request from the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) to send ongoing contract talks to binding arbitration, saying such a process would be too slow and exacerbate its financial problems.

CUPW argues arbitration would end the long-standing labour dispute immediately, bringing certainty for all parties. It says Canada Post’s push for a government-imposed employee vote on its final offer will not result in lasting labour peace.

“A forced vote may fail to end the labour conflict and risks further division,” the union said in a statement. “Arbitration would end the labour dispute immediately and create certainty for all Canadians.”

Canada Post, however, contends arbitration would take more than a year and delay resolution.

“It would also continue to leave employees without a contract – and strip them of their right to vote on a new collective agreement,” the corporation said.

CUPW has previously opposed binding arbitration. In an October 2024 bulletin, CUPW national president Jan Simpson said: “It’s evident that Canada Post is focused on pushing many of their issues to binding arbitration. This approach would delay the finalization of a complete collective agreement and redirect funds towards lawyers and arbitrators rather than investing in you.”

Canada Post said it awaits a decision from the federal labour minister on whether the Canada Industrial Relations Board will conduct a vote on its final offer.