The Canada Post strike could end as early as next week, as Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon is considering a back-to-work order. MacKinnon believes negotiations have stalled and will ask the Canada Industrial Relations Board to decide if intervention is necessary. If approved, this would force postal workers to resume work under the current collective agreement until May 22, 2025. This comes after a four-week strike that has halted mail and package deliveries across the country. While a negotiated agreement is still possible, it would need to happen quickly.
The union has strongly criticized the potential government intervention, calling it an “assault” on their bargaining rights. Canada Post, on the other hand, has stated they look forward to welcoming employees back to work. In addition to the potential back-to-work order, MacKinnon is ordering an inquiry into why negotiations broke down. This inquiry will aim to provide recommendations for more productive future negotiations between Canada Post and its union. MacKinnon emphasized the negative impact of the strike on Indigenous communities, remote areas, small businesses, and charities. He stated his responsibility is to Canadians who are suffering due to the dispute.
Wages, job security, and minimum hours are the central issues in the negotiations. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) recently lowered its wage increase demand to 19% over four years, down from a previous 24%. They are also requesting improved benefits, including medical days, disability payments, and better rights for temporary workers. Canada Post maintains that the union’s demands are too expensive, especially given the company’s recent financial losses. They estimate the union’s latest offers would cost over $3 billion over four years.
CUPW has denounced MacKinnon’s potential intervention as an attack on their right to bargain and strike. They argue this is a recurring pattern of government interference favoring employers. This year alone, the government has intervened in labor disputes involving rail workers in August and port workers in Vancouver and Montreal in November. CUPW has stated they will review the order and consider all available options. Canada Post has indicated they are reviewing the terms of MacKinnon’s order to facilitate a swift return to work and reiterate their commitment to reaching a deal that serves the changing needs of the postal service while providing good jobs.
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