A Canada Post employee is seen starting their shift in Montreal on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. (Photo: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi)
Canada Post has turned down a two-week extension request from its workers' union, instead submitting new proposals to speed up contract negotiations before a potential strike.
On Wednesday, Canada Post confirmed it had submitted updated offers to the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) 's urban and rural bargaining units. The CUPW represents around 55,000 employees across the country.
This move follows closely behind the union's recent strike notice, which could see postal workers walk off the job as early as Friday. Despite that looming deadline, Canada Post refused CUPW’s request for an additional two weeks to study the proposals.
In a public statement, Canada Post spokesperson Lisa Liu emphasized the urgency. “After two years of discussions, a lengthy strike, and a five-month pause, Canadians need answers. Delaying talks any further helps no one,” she stated.
CTV News confirmed both the union’s request for a delay and Canada Post’s decision to move ahead without granting it. CUPW, however, responded that it still intends to thoroughly review the new proposals. The union also reiterated its claim that Canada Post had walked away from previous talks multiple times.
“We hope the new offers will meet the needs of our members and strengthen public postal service going forward,” the union said in a written statement.
While tensions rise, Canada Post insists it remains open to further discussions, especially with help from a mediator.
According to the Crown corporation, its updated wage proposal includes a 6% increase in the first year, followed by 3% in the second year, and 2% in the third and fourth years. That adds up to a total increase of nearly 13.6% over four years.
The new deal also promises six extra personal days off per year and improved income replacement during short-term disability leave. Additionally, Canada Post is backing off previous proposals to alter health benefits, change post-retirement packages, or shift new hires into a less secure pension plan.
One major point of contention is Canada Post’s plan to introduce part-time positions to enable seven-day delivery. The corporation says these roles would come with guaranteed hours, as well as full health and pension coverage.
Another proposal under the new offer involves limited use of “dynamic routing,” which would allow daily changes in delivery routes to improve efficiency.
The union remains skeptical, particularly after Canada Post paused negotiations last week — just before a key report on the organization’s financial future was released.
That report, prepared by Commissioner William Kaplan, warned that Canada Post is in the middle of a serious crisis. The 162-page document recommended major changes, including phasing out daily door-to-door delivery.
Canada Post has cautioned that if the strike resumes, Canadians should expect slower mail service, a concern that grows as negotiations remain unresolved.
