UPDATED: Canada Post submits proposal, union highlights four key issues

Canada Post has presented the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) with what it called a “comprehensive framework” in an effort to reach an agreement, which it says includes proposals to bring greater flexibility to its delivery model, while also demonstrating movement on other key issues.

“It is our hope that these proposals will reignite discussions and, together with the support of mediators, help the parties work toward final agreements,” Canada Post said in a statement Dec. 1. “To facilitate talks, we will not be providing further details outside the negotiations process at this time.”

On Dec. 3, CUPW said in a release that its response to the framework focused on four key issues: wages, safe working conditions, expansion of the postal services and retiring with dignity.

With regards to expanding services, CUPW says it is “mind-boggling” that Canada Post has not implemented successful services that other postal services around the world has done.

“That’s why we are demanding Canada Post commit to working with the union to expand services at the post office including postal banking and electric vehicle charging stations,” CUPW said in a statement.

CUPW said both sides have provided adjustments to demands to the special mediator in hopes they will restart the mediation process.

“As of now, the mediator has not informed us of a restart, but the union is ready,” CUPW said Dec. 1.

Canada Post said it understand the impact the national strike is having on Canadians and that it remains committed to negotiating new collective agreements that will provide its employees and customers with the certainty they are looking for.

The Retail Council of Canada (RCC) said the strike is negatively impacting retailers across Canada and again urged the government to take immediate action.

“Retail knows that the best labour agreement is negotiated with both parties at the table, but that’s not happening and it’s time to end the strike. In the meantime, thousands of retailers and millions of consumers are paying the price,” said RCC president and CEO Diane J. Brisebois. “Canada Post is an economic lifeline, delivering parcels, documents, flyers and essential goods. This prolonged strike is now undermining its critical role, eroding trust and driving up costs for retailers and consumers alike.”

Meanwhile, CUPW filed an Unfair Labour Practice complaint Nov. 29 with the CIRB against layoffs imposed by Canada Post on workers the union says are exercising their legal right to strike.

“Canada Post did not consult the union before laying off our members and is refusing to provide essential information to the union in terms of the number of layoffs, when they happened and how employees were selected for these layoffs,” the union said. “We are taking this legal action and are asking for interim relief to force Canada Post to provide information to the union, to rescind those layoffs and stop threatening our members who are exercising their constitutionally protected right to strike.”

CUPW notified members who are being laid off, either by a phone call, an email or a letter, to contact their local representative as soon as possible and gather as much information as possible.