Government steps in; postal operations could resume following CIRB review

The federal government has asked the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to assess whether Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) are likely to reach a collective agreement by the end of the year. If CIRB determines a deal is unlikely, it could order Canada Post and CUPW employees to resume operations and extend the existing collective agreement until May 22, 2025.

“While this provides a temporary solution, the government’s priority is to get parties back on track to resolve the dispute and reach agreements,” Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon said in a statement.

The government plans to appoint an Industrial Inquiry Commission (IIC) to investigate the issues hindering negotiations and provide recommendations by May 15, 2025, on how a new agreement can be achieved.

“Canadians cannot continue to bear the consequences of this impasse,” MacKinnon said. “Our priority is to restore postal services while ensuring a fair balance between the rights of workers, those of the employer, but also those of Canadians.”

Canada Post said it is reviewing the order and intends to comply fully.

“While that unfolds, we look forward to welcoming our employees back to work and serving Canadians and customers,” Canada Post said in a statement. “We will take all appropriate steps to support that process as quickly as possible given the direction provided to us by the minister.”

CUPW criticized the move, calling it an “assault on our constitutionally protected right to collectively bargain and to strike.”

“This order continues a deeply troubling pattern in which the government uses its arbitrary powers to let employers off the hook, drag their feet and refuse to bargain in good faith with workers and their unions,” the union said in a statement.

CUPW issued the strike notice to Canada Post Nov. 12, with workers ceasing operation Nov. 15.