Negotiations between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) remain deadlocked, with both sides rejecting each other’s terms for a proposed binding arbitration process recommended by Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu.
In an update issued June 10, CUPW stated Canada Post refused to negotiate balanced terms of reference for arbitration. According to CUPW, the postal operator insists on using recommendations from the recent Industrial Inquiry Commission (IIC), which outlined major restructuring of Canada Post, including more flexible routes and part-time weekend positions with similar pay rates and benefits.
“Canada Post made it clear it is not serious about meaningful arbitration as requested by Minister Hajdu,” said CUPW National President Jan Simpson. “The employer sees no hope of agreeing on terms of reference and refuses to engage in any real discussion.”
Simpson criticized Canada Post’s stance as an attempt to bypass negotiations entirely, accusing it of trying to impose terms unilaterally through government processes.
In response, Canada Post spokesperson Lisa Liu said CUPW’s refusal to acknowledge the IIC report recommendations as part of arbitration terms is “unacceptable.”
“The union’s refusal to recognize the IIC report and its recommendations in their proposed terms of reference for arbitration is unacceptable,” Liu said in a statement reported by the National Post.
Minister Hajdu has urged both parties to return to negotiations with federal mediators, stressing the need for urgency in resolving the dispute. “Arbitration is not the preferred path to an agreement for either side,” Hajdu said. “For that reason, attempts to negotiate a settlement must continue. Canadians expect the parties to resolve this dispute one way or another.”
The ongoing labour dispute intensified recently after Canada Post rejected CUPW’s call for arbitration, instead seeking a government-supervised employee vote on its final contract offers. CUPW argues a direct vote could prolong divisions and uncertainty, citing past instances where arbitration followed such government interventions.
Canada Post maintains arbitration would be lengthy, costly, and complicated, further exacerbating its financial difficulties. Recent financial reports show the Crown corporation facing a net loss before tax of $841 million in 2024, partially attributed to labour disruptions that cost $208 million in losses. Parcel volumes have fallen by two-thirds compared to last year.
CUPW continues to enforce a national overtime ban as negotiations remain at an impasse.
1 Comment
Jessie, enjoyed your articles on keeping up with the Canadian postal strike situation. As I did at the World Expo in New York in 2016, I am trying to put together an “All-Canadian” booth/table which will feature major Philatelic Societies in Canada. I have contacted the Presidents of most of the Societies and have them thinking about participating in a similar booth for the upcoming Boston 2026 World Expo (May 23 to 30, 2026). So far I have 5 Societies who have agreed to participate: RPSC, BNAPS, Canadian Aerophilatelic Society, SHPQ, AQEP with two sitting in the sidelines waiting to make a decision (PSSC and PHSC). I have been working with Mark Schwartz, liaison with stamp societies in the U..S. and abroad, to come up with a prime location on the floor at the Boston Convention Center. Boston 2026 promises to be a fantastic show since it will also be commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States. In 2016, Canada Post had a prime position on the bourse floor. However, I am unsure if they have even thought much about Boston 2026. Is there some way you can find out of their thoughts on participating in Boston 2026? It should be a great place to meet Canadian collectors and would be great if they would have some publicity about the event. Regards, Ron (ronald.e.majors@gmail.com).