Canada Post and the Union React to Government’s Involvement in Ending Strike Situation

December 14, 2024 TruthUSA

Canada Post has stated its intention to cooperate with the federal labour minister’s efforts to compel employees to return to work, although the union has criticized this as an “abuse of power.”

Labor Minister Steven MacKinnon announced that he has requested the Canadian Industrial Relations Board to intervene in the strike carried out by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) and bring them back to work.

On December 13, MacKinnon mandated that Canada Post employees must return to work, extending the collective agreement under negotiation with the union until May 2025.

Jan Simpson, the national president of CUPW, voiced opposition to the order, stating that it encroaches on the rights of workers.

“We strongly condemn this attack on our constitutionally protected rights to fair collective bargaining and the right to strike,” she declared in a statement on the CUPW website. “We must stand firm against this misuse of authority.”

Canada Post affirmed its full participation in the process outlined by MacKinnon, as conveyed in a statement to The Epoch Times via email.

As this unfolds, we eagerly anticipate the return of our employees to work and the continued service to the public and customers,” the statement emphasized.

Once the union reviews the minister’s order, it intends to explore all available options, according to their announcement.

Canada Post specified that it will share its plans for resuming operations online once they have been finalized.

With the strike now entering its fourth week, encompassing 55,000 workers who initiated the picket lines on November 15, an Industrial Inquiry Commission has been instated to address the issues impeding an agreement. MacKinnon has instructed the commission to provide recommendations by May 15, 2025.

During negotiations with Canada Post on December 9, CUPW negotiators presented demands concerning wage increases over the next four years, a cost-of-living allowance, more medical days, enhanced short-term disability benefits, and improved rights for temporary employees.

The union acknowledged some progress but mentioned that certain demands remain unaddressed by the Crown corporation.

With the strike persisting, businesses and Canadians are contemplating the impact of the workers’ actions so close to the holiday season.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business reported that as of December 4, businesses had incurred losses of $1 billion due to the strike.

A recent survey revealed that 34 percent of Canadians sided with Canada Post, while 29 percent supported the union. The remaining respondents either expressed uncertainty or did not align with either side.

Source link