Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu has called on Canada Post to swiftly present a new proposal to the striking postal workers’ union. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) initiated strike action following Ottawa’s announcement of extensive changes to the Crown corporation’s operations aimed at addressing its financial challenges.
These changes entail discontinuing daily mail delivery, shuttering select rural post offices, and transitioning the majority of Canadian households to community mailboxes – measures the union views as a direct assault on its members. In an interview with The Canadian Press, Minister Hajdu indicated that while federal intervention to end the strike remains a possibility, she emphasized the importance of Canada Post promptly putting forth a new offer and urged the union to give serious consideration to any proposals.
Minister Hajdu stressed that after nearly two years of negotiations, it is imperative for both the union and the corporation to collaborate in determining the future of Canada Post and collectively transforming it into a sustainable and viable Crown corporation. She emphasized the urgency of the situation and the need for swift action once a new offer is presented.
Canada Post had planned to present a revised offer on Friday but is now reevaluating it in light of the government’s recent announcements. According to Canada Post spokesperson Jon Hamilton, there exists a significant disparity between the corporation and the union. The upcoming offer will align with the government’s directives aimed at stabilizing the postal service’s financial standing and lessening the burden on taxpayers.
The financial predicament of Canada Post is severe, with reported daily losses exceeding $10 million during the summer due to prolonged labor uncertainties. The postal service has relied on federal assistance to sustain its operations in recent times. An industrial inquiry commission report earlier this year highlighted the corporation’s financial insolvency and proposed various measures, which the government has adopted in its recent reform agenda.
CUPW negotiator Jim Gallant acknowledged Canada Post’s financial challenges but criticized the government’s proposed solutions as extreme. The union hopes that the nationwide strike will prompt the government to reconsider its overhaul of Canada Post and conduct a public mandate review. While the Canadian Federation of Independent Business has cautioned about the significant impact of the strike on small enterprises reliant on Canada Post, it has supported the government’s reform initiatives.
[Image: Minister of Jobs Patty Hajdu said the government isn’t ruling out stepping in to end the strike. (Spencer Colby/The Canadian Press)]
