Canada Post has delayed presenting its latest contract offer to its 55,000 workers, extinguishing hopes for a swift resolution to the ongoing postal strike. The Crown corporation initially planned to send a new offer to the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) last Friday but has now decided to reevaluate the offer in light of the government’s announced reforms to stabilize Canada Post’s finances.
The federal government’s reform proposals include discontinuing home delivery and closing certain rural mail outlets to address Canada Post’s projected $1.5 billion loss in 2025. Negotiations for a new collective agreement have been ongoing for over a year and a half.
Canada Post remains committed to negotiating an agreement with CUPW that is economically viable and supports the company’s future sustainability. The corporation intends to present a revised offer at the earliest opportunity. In response, CUPW has criticized the government’s reforms as an attack on public postal services and unionized jobs, vowing to oppose them.
Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu has urged both parties to continue dialogue to find a mutually beneficial solution. The union has expressed dissatisfaction with Canada Post’s latest pay increase offer of 13%, falling short of their demand for 19%, and accused the corporation of prematurely leaving the negotiating table.
As pressure mounts with the upcoming holiday season, stakeholders are eager to reach a resolution. Last year, a strike and lockout lasting over a month concluded after government intervention declared an impasse and mandated employees back to work.
