Canada Post says it has presented the union representing some 55,000 striking postal workers with a framework to reach negotiated agreements. Canada Post employees and supporters rally at Canada Post headquarters in Ottawa, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
Canada Post has put forward a proposal aimed at resolving its ongoing labor dispute with the union representing approximately 55,000 striking postal workers. In a statement on Sunday, the corporation shared that the framework includes plans to introduce more flexibility to its delivery services and addresses key points of contention in the negotiations, which have stretched into the busy holiday season.
“We hope these proposals will restart discussions and, with the help of mediators, move both sides closer to final agreements,” the statement read. Canada Post noted that the framework was presented to the union earlier on Sunday.
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) acknowledged receiving the framework and said its negotiators are currently reviewing the details. While both parties have adjusted their demands to pave the way for renewed talks, the union expressed concerns. In a statement on its website, CUPW pointed out that the framework does not seem to reflect the labour minister's emphasis on reaching a "ratifiable" agreement.
Despite the union’s readiness to return to the table, no confirmation has been received from the mediator about resuming discussions. The strike, now over two weeks long, threatens to disrupt holiday mail and parcel deliveries as Canadians explore alternatives for sending gifts and cards.
A key sticking point in the negotiations is the expansion of weekend parcel deliveries, with both sides divided over its implementation. Mediation efforts were paused last week by Federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon, who said talks had stalled. Binding arbitration, he added, was not an option. MacKinnon reiterated on Sunday that mediation would resume only if there was clear evidence of meaningful compromises from both parties. “So far, no such evidence has emerged,” he stated on social media.
Canada Post has refrained from sharing specifics of the framework to preserve the negotiation process. “We recognize the impact this strike has on our employees and Canadians nationwide. Our goal remains to secure agreements that provide stability for both our workforce and customers,” the corporation said.
The union criticized Canada Post for publicizing its framework before giving CUPW sufficient time to assess it. In its response, the union described the proposals as modifications to the corporation’s existing demands rather than significant concessions. Both parties submitted documents to the special mediator as part of efforts to restart mediation.
“The best collective agreements are achieved at the bargaining table,” the union said. “We remain hopeful that the mediator will see enough progress to resume the process.”
Meanwhile, tensions have escalated with CUPW filing an unfair labor practice complaint against Canada Post, alleging the layoff of striking workers violates the Canada Labour Code. Canada Post has described the layoffs as temporary and denied any wrongdoing. Spokesperson Lisa Liu confirmed the corporation is reviewing the complaint.
As the dispute drags on, both sides face growing pressure to reach a resolution before the holiday season is further disrupted.
