Latest Union Offer Still Too Expensive For Canada Post

Company withdraws key proposal and agrees to maintain percentage of full-time jobs

After careful consideration, Canada Post has again turned down an offer put forward by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) as part of the collective bargaining process.

In a formal response to the union, Canada Post stated that CUPW’s proposals remain too expensive and fail to address the challenges facing the postal system. The union’s latest offer would still add a significant amount of new costs to Canada Post over the life of the contract and does not offer realistic solutions and flexibility to problems such as declining mail volumes, increasing competition, and electronic substitutions of traditional mail. CUPW has not yet put forward an offer that could form the basis of a deal with Canada Post.

In speaking with the union, Canada Post has also agreed to withdraw one of its key proposals. The company had previously proposed a system that would create more part-time positions to help it adapt to a steady decline in mail volumes. With the hope that CUPW would start to address the issues facing the postal system, Canada Post has offered to withdraw this key proposal. Approximately 85 per cent of the jobs in CUPW’s urban bargaining unit are full-time positions.

Canada Post’s latest compromise is in keeping with the company’s commitment to reach a negotiated settlement that will protect postal services, improve employee wages, and ensure the Crown Corporation does not become a drain on taxpayers. Talks between the company and union continue in an effort to obtain a collective agreement that meets the needs of customers, employees and the company.

Despite the rotating strikes that are being undertaken by CUPW, most of the postal network continues to operate. Mail is being accepted and processed in all locations that are not impacted by a rotating strike. Customers can find up-to-date information about the labour situation at Canada Post and register to receive updates by email or text online at www.infopost.ca/customer.