Postal union claims new deal is a move forward, encourages members to vote yes

The union representing Canada Post (CUPW) employees says two years of tough negotiations have led to tentative agreements that protect key provisions and deliver improvements for workers. 

The National Executive Board has voted to accept the deals for both postal bargaining units and is recommending members vote yes during ratification in the new year.

The agreements include higher wages with inflation protection, improved benefits without changes to premium cost-sharing, and retention of Article 53 job security in the Urban collective agreement. Other gains include limits on late start times for letter carriers, no dynamic routing, and no load leveling for either bargaining unit. The defined benefit pension plan remains unchanged, and 393 corporate retail counters are protected under Appendix I.

The union says the agreements also provide an extra year of stability, with both deals expiring January 31, 2029. 

Language around short-term disability and personal days will be finalized by mid-January, with ratification votes to follow. There will be no strike or lockout activity during the voting period.

Union leaders say the outcome reflects the strength and persistence of members in the face of significant challenges. 

A detailed summary of changes will be published soon, and voting details will be shared in the coming days.