Union issues strike notice, and employer responds with lockout notice
The labour dispute between Canada Post and its unionized workers is coming to a head as both sides have issued work stoppage notices that are set to take effect this week.
Canada Post said that it has received strike notices from the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), for both Urban and RSMC (Rural and Suburban Mail Carriers) bargaining units.
The notices indicate that CUPW will be in a legal position to begin strike activity by 12:01 am ET on Nov. 15.
“In the event CUPW initiates rotating strike activity, Canada Post intends to continue delivering for Canadians and Canadian businesses while working to reach negotiated agreements,” said Canada Post in a statement. “However, the ongoing possibility of a labour disruption has been significantly eroding Canada Post’s volumes and escalating the negative financial impact on the company.”
On the same day, CUPW said it received notices from Canada Post Corporation that postal workers will be locked out of work as of 8:00 am ET on Nov. 15, 2024 if agreements cannot be reached for the Urban Postal Operations and Rural and Suburban Mail Carriers (RSMC) bargaining units.
These notices come 8 hours after CUPW issued its own 72-hour strike notice, noted the union.
"Our goal has always been to reach negotiated collective agreements that support the long-term success of our public post office, while addressing the real issues our members face daily," said Jan Simpson, CUPW National President. "Canada Post has the ability to make that happen without any job action, but it needs to come to the bargaining table and resolve both new and longstanding issues."
The union had received a strike mandate from its members, with 95.8% of urban workers and 95.5% of rural workers supporting their negotiating committees and ready to strike if necessary, CUPW said, citing a strike vote held between Sept. 9 and Oct. 20 this year.
CUPW and Canada Post have been bargaining for almost a year, with the union asking for “fair wages, safer working conditions and the right for workers – today and in the future – to retire with dignity, and new services at the public post office”.
"Postal workers are the face of the Corporation and some of the most trusted worker in the country. We are proud to serve our communities, and we want to continue to do the job we love," said Simpson.
Just before October ended, Canada Post presented new global offers that “protect and enhance what’s important to CUPW-represented employees – including offering higher wage increases – while responding to the challenges facing the country’s postal service,” said the employer.
The proposals include:
Canada Post said that a labour disruption “would affect the millions of Canadians and businesses who rely on the postal service, and deepen the company’s already serious financial situation. It is critical that both parties focus their energies on resolving issues to reach negotiated agreements”.
The employers also said that it is “rapidly falling behind in today’s highly competitive, customer-focused parcel delivery market”. In the first half of 2024, the company recorded a loss from operations of $490 million. Since 2018, the corporation has lost more than $3 billion, it said.
Meanwhile, Canada Post and CUPW have agreed to continue the delivery of socio-economic cheques during any upcoming labour disruption, for eligible and participating government organizations. The agreement ensures government financial assistance delivered by mail will reach seniors and other Canadians who rely on it.
Socio-economic cheques for the month of November will be delivered on November 20. Canadians will receive their cheques the same way they normally receive their mail.
Previously, hundreds of Canadian correctional officers in different parts of the country rallied in front of the regional headquarters of Correctional Services Canada (CSC) on Thursday to ask for better contacts from their employer.
Meanwhile, in a LinkedIn post, the Workers Compensation Board of Nova Scotia said that employers and workers should make some adjustments as the work stoppage nears.
“To avoid any payment disruptions, workers with a WCB claim who receive benefits by mail are strongly encouraged to sign up for direct deposit through our online channels. Employers should also ensure they’re on My Account for direct correspondence with WCB, it said.
“WCB’s online channels serve as a one-stop-shop for workers and employers to access info on their claims and accounts. This secure online portal offers quicker communication, easier claims and account monitoring and reduced wait times. Plus, it’s accessible 24/7.”
