Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) will return to the bargaining table on Friday as the union responds to what the corporation has called its “best and final offers” presented on May 28.
The discussions, to be held with the assistance of federal mediators, follow weeks of public statements from both sides, each accusing the other of delaying progress toward a deal. Canada Post says it is looking for a “detailed and comprehensive” reply from CUPW that addresses “real, significant and increasing challenges” facing the postal service, which it describes as being in an “existential crisis.” The Crown corporation points to declining letter mail volumes and intense parcel delivery competition — concerns it says were underscored by the independent Industrial Inquiry Commission led by Commissioner William Kaplan.
CUPW National President Jan Simpson, however, said Canada Post’s recent messaging ignores its own role in slowing negotiations. “While Canada Post says it needs to act with urgency, the Corporation seems to forget that it was its side that delayed negotiations for two months by requesting a forced vote, and this after the Government paused our legal strike for six months,” she said.
Simpson added that members have already spoken on the company’s latest proposals. “Canada Post suggested its ‘best and final offers’ reflected the ‘objective findings’ of the Industrial Inquiry Commission. But Canada Post failed to acknowledge that its offers just didn’t cut it: they were overwhelmingly rejected by members.” She stressed that the union’s goal is no longer just “discussions” but “ratifiable collective agreements,” and urged the corporation to “get serious and negotiate now.”
Talks are set for Friday, Aug.15, and Monday, Aug. 18, with CUPW’s national overtime ban still in effect. The outcome will be closely watched by collectors, dealers, and mail-dependent businesses across the country concerned about potential service disruptions.