The exterior of a Canada Post office is pictured in Toronto on Aug. 1. CBC
Canada Post is preparing to send new offers to the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) as both sides attempt to break a long-standing deadlock in contract negotiations. The move comes in the wake of a flyer delivery ban imposed by postal workers this week.
The Crown corporation confirmed Thursday that updated terms are being drafted to bring the parties back to the bargaining table next week. Negotiators are already working behind the scenes to shape proposals that might revive talks.
Union Rejects Previous Offer
In early August, CUPW members rejected what Canada Post described as its “final offer.” On August 20, the union submitted a counter-proposal, which Canada Post said carried “significant new costs and restrictions” at a time when the postal service is facing major financial challenges.
Canada Post asked CUPW to revisit its demands and present a more workable plan. With no shift from the union, the corporation has now decided to table fresh global offers in hopes of finding middle ground. Key issues such as weekend delivery remain on the agenda.
A CUPW spokesperson said workers remain unconvinced by Canada Post’s previous stance. “After postal workers decisively rejected Canada Post’s last offers, the corporation refused to negotiate and demanded rollbacks they had just rejected,” the statement read.
The union added it will carefully review the latest proposals before making further comments. The flyer delivery ban, however, will continue until meaningful progress is made.
Impact of Flyer Ban
The ban has already disrupted deliveries nationwide, affecting small businesses, charities, and community newspapers that rely on flyers for visibility. Canada Post has asked CUPW to release the flyers currently stuck in its network, warning that the delay is affecting many customers.
Union leaders argue that the measure is necessary to maintain pressure while avoiding a complete strike. Last week, CUPW president Jan Simpson explained that the flyer ban replaced an overtime ban that Canada Post had raised concerns about.
“The goal is to reach an agreement before Christmas,” Simpson said. “But if Canada Post continues to stall, postal workers may have no choice but to consider stronger actions.”
Looming Holiday Pressure
The holiday season is fast approaching, adding urgency to the talks. Postal operations face immense strain during November and December, making labour disruptions particularly costly.
Last year, a strike and lockout dragged on for more than a month before then-labour minister Steven MacKinnon intervened. He declared an impasse and asked the Canada Industrial Relations Board to end the work stoppage.
Both sides are now keenly aware of the stakes as another holiday season looms.
Nearly Two Years of Negotiations
Contract discussions between Canada Post and CUPW have stretched for almost two years. Wages, part-time work, and broader operational issues remain unresolved, with the postal service reporting steep financial losses during the period.
For now, Canadians are left watching closely as the two sides exchange new offers. Whether the latest proposals can ease tensions — and restore full services ahead of the holiday rush — remains to be seen.
