Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) reached agreements in principle on Nov. 21 covering both major bargaining units, temporarily pausing the strike activity that has disrupted delivery for much of the past year.
The agreements in principle mean the two sides have settled on the main terms of new contracts, but the actual language of the collective agreements has yet to be drafted. While the parties work on final wording, all strike and lockout action is suspended. The current collective agreements remain in force.
CUPW said members will retain the right to strike until the new agreements are ratified. If the parties cannot agree on how the negotiated terms should be reflected in contract language, the suspension will be lifted and job action may resume.
The union described the 26-month round of bargaining as one of the most difficult in recent years. It said members stood firm on the need for stable public postal services, secure employment and a sustainable postal system.
Once tentative agreements are finalized, CUPW will release details before putting the contracts to a vote by the membership.