Canada Post and Workers’ Union Engage in Talks, No Strike Notice Issued Yet

Canada Post reports that discussions are ongoing with the union representing postal workers, and as of now, neither side has given notice of a potential work stoppage.

In a brief statement released on Sunday, the Crown corporation mentioned that both parties have mutually agreed not to issue the required 72-hour notice for a strike or lockout “as long as the discussions remain constructive.” It highlighted that normal operations are currently being maintained.

Although the Canadian Union of Postal Workers could have been legally authorized to strike as of Sunday following the expiration of a cooling-off period in the contract negotiations, no strike notice has been issued yet. The union stated on Friday that a notice could be issued “at any point” if talks come to a standstill.

Last week, Canada Post presented its latest contract proposal, which includes incremental wage increases totaling 11.5 percent over a four-year period. The new offer also safeguards the defined benefit pension for existing employees, along with their job security and healthcare benefits. The corporation asserts that this offer will ensure that current employees do not experience setbacks.

In contrast, the union expressed dissatisfaction with Canada Post’s offer, stating that it falls short of their demands and entitlements. Earlier in the week, the union announced that its members had overwhelmingly voted in favor of a strike in case negotiations at the table fail. Initial results showed that 95.8 percent of urban workers and 95.5 percent of rural workers supported the strike mandate.

Meanwhile, Canada Post, in its Sunday statement, emphasized that it is rapidly lagging behind in today’s fiercely competitive and customer-centric parcel delivery market. The corporation revealed that it incurred a loss of $490 million in the first half of 2024, and a cumulative loss of $3 billion since 2018. The company aims to negotiate “a more flexible and cost-effective delivery model,” which would encompass parcel delivery seven days a week.

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Federal Labor Minister Steven MacKinnon held a meeting last Thursday with the union and Canada Post management to urge them to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.