The labor union representing 55,000 Canada Post employees has declared the cessation of their countrywide strike action and the initiation of rotating strikes from this upcoming weekend. The announcement was made on the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) website on Thursday night.
CUPW President Jan Simpson conveyed in the notice that commencing at 6 AM local time on Saturday, October 11, the union will transition from a nationwide strike to rotating strikes. This move aims to resume the flow of mail and parcels while persisting in their pursuit of favorable collective agreements and a robust public postal service.
The duration until Canadians can expect to receive mail again remains uncertain following the union’s communication. CBC News has sought clarification from CUPW, while Canada Post is yet to respond to requests for comments.
This latest strike transpired subsequent to the government’s announcement last month regarding the restructuring of the Crown corporation. Facing a projected loss of $1.5 billion by 2025 and currently sustained by a $1 billion federal loan, Canada Post instigated the strike amid the ongoing contract dispute.
Accusing the federal government of enabling Canada Post to undermine the bargaining process, the union criticized the timing of the announced changes amid the contract negotiations. Simpson and other union representatives disclosed meeting Government Transformation Minister Joël Lightbound on Wednesday and scheduling another meeting for the following week.
The restructuring agenda set forth by Lightbound includes ceasing door-to-door delivery (with certain accessibility exceptions) and granting the corporation increased autonomy over delivery methods and schedules. The union condemned the government’s plan on its website, asserting that it would enable Canada Post to dismantle postal services and cut numerous jobs.
The union reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for robust public services, quality jobs, and a sustainable public postal service accessible to all Canadians.
