There is growing concern about the potential for another postal disruption over the coming weeks.
Negotiations are continuing between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), but recent statements from both sides suggest they are still far apart.
About 55,000 Canada Post workers represented by CUPW walked off the job on Nov. 15.
The month-long strike came to an end Dec. 17 after the Canada Industrial Relations Board ruled the two sides were at an impasse.
Their collective agreements were extended until May 22, and the federal government appointed an Industrial Inquiry Commission to examine the issues preventing the two sides from reaching an agreement.
Canada Post issued a statement late last week saying that it is preparing for “a number of potential outcomes, including the possibility of a labour disruption on or after May 22.”
“While we’re not where we want to be in the negotiations, we’re seeking agreements that reflect the critical changes needed to improve our services for years to come,” said the statement.
“The changes we have proposed are critical to better supporting customers over the long term with more affordable, consistent and reliable service.”
CUPW responded a day later, saying the messaging from the Crown corporation “may actually drive away business from Canada Post in the meantime.”
“We urge Canada Post to drop demands that will hurt postal workers and the public and return to the bargaining table. The best collective agreements are negotiated collective agreements,” National President Jan Sampson said in a statement.
The Industrial Inquiry Commission will present its report and recommendations to the federal labour minister by May 15.
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