Canada Post issued new contract offers to its employees today in an attempt to prevent a strike or lockout ahead of the holiday shopping season, which saw the Crown corporation deliver about one million parcels a day last year.
The offers, according to a report from The Canadian Press, included “improvements to pay and benefits, adding job security for rural and suburban employees and no changes to the existing defined benefit pension plan.”
“It also includes more certainty and opportunities for temporary and part-time workers,” Canada Post representatives told The Canadian Press.
ONGOING DISPUTE
Last week, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), which represents thousands of Canada Post workers, announced it would stay at the bargaining table to avert a potential strike. By not issuing a 72-hour notice of job action, the CUPW allowed Canada Post’s negotiators to address the union’s demands, which include increased wages and improved working conditions.
Both sides have been bargaining for separate collective agreements since January, and while talks are ongoing, the CUPW has warned of a potential work stoppage if there is no progress in mediation.
Failure to reach an agreement could result in a strike or lockout, both of which could hinder parcel deliveries throughout the holidays.