We should find out later Friday how Canada Post workers feel about the company’s final offers.
More than 53,000 employees, represented by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, began voting on those offers on July 21.
The vote was forced by the federal government, with Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu saying it was in the public interest.
Hajdu pointed to the “ongoing strain placed on Canada’s small businesses and communities” after 18 months of negotiation, over 200 meetings between the parties, and 33 days of strike and lockout in the fall.
The union previously rejected a request by Canada Post for a final vote, instead pushing for binding arbitration.
However, the Crown corporation has said it is not interested in binding arbitration, adding the process would be “long and complicated” and likely last more than a year.
Members should reject, says union
Meanwhile, CUPW has been telling its members to reject the offers, saying it would rather see a negotiated settlement.
Jeff Cook works in Yarmouth, N.S., and is part of the Rural and Suburban Mail Carriers’ negotiating team in Ottawa.
He recently told our newsroom that a ‘no’ vote would send a resounding message.
“Forcing things on employees is not the way that collective bargaining is supposed to go. … We want Canada Post to come back to the table, and we’ll talk,” said Cook.
Canada Post has said the offers reflect the company’s current realities and protect items that are important to employees.
They are voting on wage increases, a signing bonus, job security, new part-time positions and phased changes to the delivery model.
Cook said Canada Post just wants to do it their way with more part-time workers. If the organization cuts full-time jobs, he said, it will hurt all communities.
The results are expected shortly after the voting, which continues until 5 p.m. ET Friday.
With files from Kevin Northup
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