OTTAWA – A protracted labour dispute at Canada Post could stretch for weeks, or even months, experts warn, as rotating strikes continue adn negotiations remain stalled. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) began rotating strikes across the country on Monday, impacting mail delivery and processing in select cities.
The core issues in the dispute revolve around workload, staffing levels, and pension changes. CUPW argues that the increasing volume of parcels, driven by the growth of e-commerce, is overwhelming postal workers and creating unsafe working conditions. They are seeking improved staffing levels and a defined-benefit pension plan for future employees.
Canada Post maintains it has offered a fair contract that addresses worker concerns while ensuring the financial sustainability of the corporation. The Crown corporation cites a $100-million loss in the first quarter of 2023 and the need for modernization to compete with private delivery services.
“We’ve put a very good offer on the table,” said Canada Post spokesperson Phil Legault. ”It includes wage increases,improved benefits,and a commitment to workplace safety.”
Labour relations expert Professor Rafael Gomez, of York University, stated, “Given the entrenched positions on both sides, and the complexity of the issues, a rapid resolution is unlikely. We could be looking at a very long strike.”
Canada Post has suspended parcel and mail pickup and delivery in affected cities during the rotating strikes. Customers are advised to check the Canada Post website for updates on service disruptions. The last major Canada Post strike occurred in 2011, lasting nearly five weeks and causing significant disruption to mail service.
