The Union versus Canada Post: still at the bargaining table 

Tensions are escalating, from one strike to another potential one, the union representing Canada Post remains standing. With Canada Post having presented its final offer, the surrounding atmosphere has become tense. A ripple effect is being felt across Canada.

Canada Post has faced significant challenges over the past several months, and it has been a rocky ride as they wait for a fair and reasonable contract between the union and their employer, with still no resolution in sight.  Employees who spoke to 8forty are frustrated with the current postal situation and concerned about how future mail services will impact their everyday lives and jobs.   

Last November, CUPW workers went on strike and returned to the bargaining table after a back-to-work order was legislated by the federal labour minister, Steven McKinnon.  Still, without making any headway, they have decided to take other steps.  

A strike has not happened yet; however, an overtime ban has been implemented. That means that all workers are now mandated not to exceed 40 hours of work per week. Everything must be completed within the hours of work, and any items that are not completed will automatically be carried over to the following day for delivery.  

“The current overtime ban is ineffective because of low mail and parcel volumes; it does not put pressure on the company, and that results in a longer time for a collective agreement to be reached,” says Pat, a delivery agent who’s been working for CP since November of 2023. 

Names of Canada Post employees ‘ names would like to be kept abbreviated. 

Among the demands, the union is asking for higher wages because it is not enough to survive in today’s economy due to inflation. Safer working conditions, the right to retire with dignity, job security, more opportunities for temporary employees to become permanent, and weekend work are among some of the demands from the union.   

Workers are looking for a wage increase as inflation has risen over the past couple of months to a new high. Canada Post has offered a 13.59 percent wage increase. The increase will be distributed over 4 years: six percent for the first year, three percent for the second year, and two percent for the third and fourth years.  

“I think CP’s offer of a fourteen percent wage increase over 4 years is still too low and does not meet current inflation, which at a minimum should be 19%,” Pat told 8forty.    

“23/hour is not enough to survive in Vancouver unless you have another source of income.” Another demand Canada Post made was to issue six more personal days on top of the seven already included in the contract. This is important because unplanned injuries or illnesses can occur at any time. However, the union is proposing ten additional days on top of the seven, as they are fighting for improved working conditions.   

Another key issue in the negotiations is the inclusion of weekend work. Workers working 15 hours a week are considered part-time employees. Now, Canada Post is looking to hire part-time workers to fill those positions. However, the union is against it, as they want full-time workers. Expedited parcels must be delivered on weekends, as they are a priority; customers have paid extra to receive them quickly.  

“I have noticed a decline in parcels since last year’s strike,” says Kat, a relief letter carrier. “Some customers have been scared away from using Canada Post to ship and receive parcels. The reduced volume is not sustainable, as it will put the company further into debt.” 

Canada Post is seeking to change its delivery schedule and policies as part of its new contract. Canada Post mail carrier Pat, who has been working since November of 2023, says “However, the issue with weekend delivery is Canada Post wants part-time delivery agents, and the union wants to give that opportunity to full-time workers first. In my opinion, I think they should be given to part-time workers. As a full-time letter carrier, my route is one of the toughest in the depot. It is a physically demanding job. I am okay with just working five days per week.” 

Canada Post’s last strike, which occurred on November 5th, 2024, lasted for approximately one and a half months, ending with workers being ordered back to work on December 17th. This strike was a result of unresolved contract negotiations between the union and Canada Post. Key issues that remained outstanding included wage increases, working conditions, and service expansion. Currently, discussions between the two parties are expected to continue for some time.  

Rob, a Canada Post letter carrier who joined the union a year ago, expressed optimism about the negotiations. “I am hopeful that Canada Post and the union will reach an agreement,” he told 8forty. “Both sides need to make concessions and find common ground, which would benefit both the company and the union.”  

This is all due to unresolved contract negotiations between the union and Canada Post. Some key issues that remained unresolved were wage increases, working conditions, and service expansion.  

Currently, this deliberation between the two parties is expected to last for some time.

“Both sides have to make concessions and reach common ground, which is both good for the company and the union,” Rob told 8forty. 

The union wants binding arbitration, a method of dispute resolution in which a neutral third party represents both the union and Canada Post.  

“I feel like we’re stuck between a rock and a hard place,” says Kat.  

However, Canada Post is against it because it will take too much time to go back and forth. CUPW employees will now have a vote in the latest negotiations. Many wonder whether Canada Post will accept the deal being offered. 

For the workers who spoke to 8forty, uncertainty and waiting adds to their ongoing stress. “We are used as scapegoats,” Pat said. “And we have to pay for their mismanagement of funds.” 

Image Credit: Stephen Andrews, Pexels