Mail stoppage could start July 8 and Canada Post workers could be on strike if last-minute negotiations are not successful following a 72-hour lockout notice issued July 5.
Mail stoppage could start July 8 and Canada Post workers could be on strike if last-minute negotiations are not successful following a 72-hour lockout notice issued July 5.
As of press time, Canada Post was moving forward with plans to lock out its workers after negotiations with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) failed. Negotiations between the two parties began in November 2015, after CUPW served Canada Post with Notice to Bargain.
“ They have served notice that they may lock us out on (July 8). We don't know whether they will proceed with that or not,” said CUPW national president Mike Palecek. “ It may be that they're going to attempt to change our working conditions to provoke a strike. That's not our intention.”
According to a Canada Post press release, the organization moved to lockout workers because prolonged negotiations have had a “ negative and escalating impact on the postal service.” Those impacts include deteriorating volumes of usage and a financial impact to business.
Canada Post representatives did not return requests for comment by press time.
“ On (July 4), Canada Post informed CUPW that the offers the Corporation presented on (June 25) are considered final, as they represent a fair and reasonable framework for settlements,” Canada Post said in a statement issued July 5. “ The company also informed CUPW that the union's more than $1 billion in demands were unaffordable and therefore rejected.”
Barring a last-minute agreement, Canada Post workers will hit the picket line July 8. Canada Post franchises may remain open to sell post materials, but will not accept parcels or other mail for delivery.
However, Old Age Security, Canada Pension Plan, Working Income Tax Benefit and Canada Child Benefit cheques will still be delivered in the event of a disruption, following measures taken by the federal government.
Airdrie City View readers will still have papers delivered to their doors in the event of a disruption, while rural readers can pick up copies at local drop-off locations.
UPDATED:
As of July 8, Canada Post and CUPW have agreed to a 30-day cooling off period, according to a release. No lockout will commence as negotiations will continue between the two sides for the next 30 days, however, "if the parties are unable to successfully conclude negotiations within that period, both parties must agree to binding arbitration," according to the release.
