Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) are at odds after the Crown corporation announced a pause in contract negotiations with just over a week left before collective agreements expire.
Canada Post says the decision to temporarily step away is aimed at preparing a more comprehensive set of proposals to help reset stalled talks. “This pause will allow Canada Post to focus on preparing proposals aimed at moving discussions forward constructively,” the corporation stated, adding that it remains committed to avoiding labour disruption and protecting wages and benefits.
But CUPW sees the move differently. In a statement issued Tuesday, the union called the pause “reprehensible,” arguing it keeps postal workers and the public in the dark during a critical phase of negotiations. The union said Canada Post has failed to engage with proposals that would protect full-time jobs and allow for weekend parcel delivery using existing contract language.
“They have refused to take responsibility for the financial situation they’re in and are now walking away when we should be focused on securing good collective agreements,” CUPW said.
Talks resumed in late April with help from a mediator after breaking off in March. With contracts set to expire May 22, both sides say they’re committed to a resolution, but the union warns that new proposals could come only after the release of a report by Commissioner Kaplan.
Canada Post has not provided a specific return date for negotiations. CUPW says its teams are ready to return to the table when the corporation is.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)