Canada Post workers go on strike, disrupting deliveries

Canada Post workers in Canada have initiated a strike after failing to come to an agreement with their employer. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) stated that approximately 55,000 workers in urban, rural, and suburban mail carrier units are participating in the strike due to a lack of progress in negotiations. The union accused Canada Post of refusing to address the daily challenges faced by postal workers and threatening to change working conditions, leaving members vulnerable to layoffs.

The strike comes at a critical time as the holiday season approaches, with Black Friday just around the corner. Canadians rely on the postal service to send and receive gifts, packages, and cards during this time. Canada Post announced that operations will be shut down during the strike, impacting millions of Canadians and businesses. Mail and parcels will not be processed or delivered, and some post offices will be closed. Service guarantees will be affected for items already in the postal network, and no new items will be accepted.

Canada Post mentioned that once operations resume, mail and parcels will be delivered on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, the impact of a national strike may continue to affect service levels even after the strike concludes. Negotiations between the two parties began on November 15, but progress has been slow, according to Canada Post.

The union had given Canada Post a 72-hour notice on Tuesday, prompting the Crown corporation to warn about the potential financial repercussions of a strike. While Canada Post issued a lockout notice, it clarified that it did not intend to lock workers out. CUPW had been in a legal strike position as of November 3, following a cooling-off period mandated by law. A strike mandate was supported by over 95% of urban and rural workers in a vote last month.

Canada Post’s contract offer included annual wage increases totaling 11.5% over four years, along with protection for the defined benefit pension of current employees, job security, and health benefits. However, CUPW deemed the offer insufficient, citing significant differences on various issues. The union emphasized its reasonable demands for fair wages, safe working conditions, the right to retire with dignity, and the expansion of services at public post offices.

Federal mediators have been involved in the negotiations, with a special mediator appointed to assist both parties. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) urged the government to intervene using all available powers, including binding arbitration or back-to-work legislation. Small businesses, which heavily rely on Canada Post for shipping goods and conducting transactions, are particularly impacted by the disruption.

Teamsters Canada announced that its members at Purolator will not handle any packages associated with Canada Post during the strike. The Teamsters expressed full support for CUPW, emphasizing the importance of good union jobs in Canadian society. The ongoing strike underscores the challenges faced by postal workers and the crucial role of Canada Post in the country’s economy and society.