CUPW issues strike notice to Canada Post, work stoppage to begin Friday

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has given strike notice to Canada Post for both urban and rural mail-carrying units.

The notice indicates that CUPW intends to begin strike action at midnight local time on Friday, May 23, unless a deal is reached.

“A labour disruption would affect the millions of Canadians and businesses who rely on the postal service and deepen the company’s already serious financial situation,” stated the Crown corporation.

“It is critical that both parties focus their energies on resolving issues to reach negotiated agreements.”

In the event of rotating strike activity, Canada Post says it intends to continue delivering to unaffected areas while working to reach an agreement with CUPW.

“In the event of a national labour disruption, mail and parcels will not be delivered and no new items will be accepted until the disruption is over,” explained Canada Post.

“All mail and parcels in our network will be secured and delivered as quickly as possible once operations resume.”

According to the Crown corporation, this is a “critical moment” for the postal system and since 2018, Canada Post has recorded more than $3 billion in losses before tax.

The corporation says that socio-economic cheques (SECs) from eligible and participating government organizations will be delivered during any upcoming labour disruptions, meaning government financial assistance will continue to reach those who need it. More details will be shared shortly.

Canada Post added that a process is in place to ensure the delivery of live animals is not affected during a labour disruption, but no new shipments will be accepted in affected areas.

Last week, CUPW released a statement calling on Canada Post to return to the negotiating table. The union was informed by negotiators on May 13 that Canada Post was taking a pause from the bargaining table to put together another set of offers.

“Throughout the entire bargaining process, Canada Post has refused to take responsibility for the financial situation it finds itself in,” stated CUPW.

“They have also ignored our offer to use existing collective agreement language to allow for weekend delivery.”

For the time being, operations will continue as normal at Canada Post.