Postal strike: Union digs in, committed to negotiation

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This article was published 14/12/2024 (477 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

As the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) strike edges closer to hitting the one-month mark without achieving any breakthrough in contract negotiations between the union and Canada Post, CUPW national president Jan Simpson told the Sun the union will continue to reject what she termed as “misleading narratives” from the Crown corporation.

Disagreeing with Canada Post’s criticisms of its latest contract proposals, as well as federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon’s move to involve the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) in the ongoing dispute, Simpson reiterated that the union is committed to building a sustainable postal service.

“Canada Post has a revenue generation problem, not a labour cost problem,” Simpson said during the interview. “We’ve long advocated for expanding services like postal banking, wellness check-ins, and electric vehicle charging stations — these initiatives would not only give people across the country the services they need, but also generate new sources of revenue.”

The union has proposed pay increases of 19 per cent over four years, including nine per cent during the first year, which would add over $3 billion in fixed costs over four years.

Canada Post issued a press release in response on Wednesday, stating that the union’s proposals include demands relating to, “wage increases and staffing changes,” amidst ongoing “financial losses totalling $3 billion since 2018.”

It added that the corporation has instead offered an 11.5 per cent increase over the same period (compounded to 11.97 per cent).

Commenting on Canada Post’s claim that CUPW’s demands are “unaffordable and unsustainable,” Simpson argued that the corporation’s financial challenges stem from misplaced priorities.

“Canada Post is in the middle of a multibillion-dollar spending plan on infrastructure, upgrading delivery vehicles, and IT,” Simpson said. “It is time Canada Post invested in its most valuable asset — its workforce.”

She further explained that wage demands reflect the rising cost of living and the need for workers to retire with dignity. Even with adjustments, “our proposal ensures fairness,” while maintaining Canada Post’s role as a vital public service.

The Canada Post press release also criticized the union’s resistance to operational changes, such as dynamic routing and expanded weekend delivery, terming them as “critical to its future.”

Simpson dismissed these arguments, stating that these proposed changes would erode workers’ rights. The corporation, she said, already offers weekend delivery at standard rates but seeks to adopt a food delivery-style model, adding that postal workers are willing to work weekends but demand fair wages, improved safety, dignified retirement, and service expansion.

“We are also resisting attempts to roll back gains achieved over 50 years and opposing the ‘gigification’ of the public postal service,” the union president said. “As a Crown Corporation, our public post office should set the standard for employers across Canada, not get involved in a race to the bottom with multi-national companies known for low wages and poor working conditions.”

Canada Post’s rejection of the union’s demand to make contracted staff permanent employees has been another flashpoint stalling negotiations.

The corporation said the union has advocated for making facility cleaning staff and other contracted workers permanent employees, expressing concern that this demand would create unsustainable long-term fixed costs, urging CUPW to concentrate on the terms and conditions for employees they represent directly.

Simpson defended this position, pointing to the exploitation of rural and suburban mail carriers in the past.

“These workers perform the same duties, require the same clearances, and are funded by postage,” Simpson said.

“By transitioning contracted staff to permanent roles, we’re advocating for fairness and addressing a systemic issue Canada Post has long ignored.”

On Friday, federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon asked CIRB to assess if negotiations between Canada Post and CUPW have reached an impasse. If so, CIRB could order work resumption and extend current agreements till May 2025.

Simpson called the move an attack on workers’ “constitutionally protected right” to strike and collectively bargain.

“This order continues a deeply troubling pattern in which the government uses its arbitrary powers to let employers off the hook, drag their feet, and refuse to bargain in good faith with workers and their unions,” she added.

“The union is currently reviewing the order and considering all of its options moving forward.”

Despite the protracted negotiations, Simpson reiterated CUPW’s commitment to resolving the strike through negotiation. “We’ve made proposals to bring our positions closer, including lowering wage demands and accommodating part-time work for weekend delivery. But Canada Post has failed to engage in meaningful dialogue.”

The union urged Canada Post to share the cost analysis of its proposals, stating, “We can’t negotiate with ourselves.”

Small businesses and rural communities are among the hardest hit by the strike. Simpson acknowledged the disruption and assured the public that CUPW is working toward a resolution that protects both postal workers and the communities they serve.

Canada Post did not respond to the Sun’s inquiry but stated in a press statement issued on Friday that it is currently reviewing the details of the labour minister’s announcement to ensure the corporation is prepared to fully participate in the process and comply with the minister’s directive.

“While that unfolds, we look forward to welcoming our employees back to work and serving Canadians and customers. We will take all appropriate steps to support that process as quickly as possible given the direction provided to us by the minister.”

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