Canada looks set for a major postal strike on Thursday (June 2) after a last-minute union offerwas turned down by Canada Post.
The Canadian postal union CUPW submitted a final offer for its desired working conditions in anattempt to end the ongoing labour dispute. However, the proposal was not accepted by the Canadianpostal operator and strike action is now likely to take place on Thursday.
After rejecting the “revised final offer” by Canada Post on 24 May, CUPW yesterday submitted anew and final offer to reach a negotiated agreement without a work disruption. The latest proposalconcerns job security, service expansion and job creation as well as the duration of the collectiveagreement, wages and benefits. Other topics handled in the offer include respect for employees,information and transparency, health and safety, staffing, work scheduling and assignments, workmethods and other issues.
The CUPW reiterated that it will exercise its right to strike under the law as of Thursday, June2, if no collective agreement is reached. The union provided a 72-hour strike notice as required bythe Canada Labour Code.
“Striking is our only real bargaining lever with Canada Post and we have concluded that we mustgive notice that we are willing to use our legal right to strike to get a decent contract thatmeets the needs of our members and preserves public postal service,” said CUPW NationalPresident Denis Lemelin. “After seven months of negotiations, Canada Post continues to demand majorconcessions, including unsafe work methods, a 22% wage reduction for new hires and the eliminationof a sick leave plan that members have had for over 40 years,” he said.
But in response Canada Post said the union’s proposal does nothing to address the significantchallenges facing the company. “The union is prepared to shut down Canada’s postal system eventhough the company has proposed a deal that gives employees better pay and benefits than theycurrently enjoy,” it pointed out.
Canada Post said its offer submitted earlier provides annual wage increases leading to a toprate of $26 per hour for both new and existing employees. It also includes a defined benefitpension plan for both new and existing employees despite a $3.2-billion solvency deficit, avacation of up to seven weeks and job security for both new and existing employees.
The company highlighted the 17% decline in letter mail volumes since 2006 as a major challenge. “ We have proposed a competitive and comprehensive pay and benefits package for employees hired inthe future. The offer put forward for new employees will still make Canada Post an attractive placeto work.”
In case of work disruption, mail and parcels will not be delivered, the postal operator warned. “ However, contingency plans are in place to ensure the safety of any items that remain in the mailstream during a work disruption. There are also plans to ensure Canada Post returns to normaloperations as quickly as possible following any work disruption.”
