CUPW launches nationwide overtime ban, potential delivery delays expected

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has begun a legal nationwide overtime ban for its Urban and Rural and Suburban Mail Carrier (RSMC) units.

Under the job action, which took effect Friday, members are refusing to work more than eight hours a day or 40 hours a week. While Canada Post remains operational, the company is warning customers to expect potential delays.

No rotating strikes or full work stoppages are in place, but the union issued strike notices earlier this week, setting the stage for job action to begin May 23 if a deal was not reached.

Canada Post presented global offers to CUPW on May 21, including wage increases and concessions on key issues. The Crown corporation says it remains ready to return to the bargaining table with the help of mediators.

Mail and parcel volumes have already dropped significantly, the company notes, as customers brace for possible disruptions.

CUPW said it continues to review and analyze the content of the global offers.