The Canadian Union of Postal Workers put forward new proposals to Canada Post on Wednesday, aiming for increased wages alongside the introduction of weekend delivery and part-time workers to the postal service. The fresh offers suggest a nine percent wage hike in the first year, followed by four percent in the second year, and subsequent increases of three percent in the third and fourth years. This marks a rise from Canada Post’s earlier proposals of approximately 13 percent spread over four years, which were turned down by unionized workers in a recent vote.
Canada Post responded by stating it is evaluating the union’s offers and remains committed to achieving new collective agreements through the negotiation process. Negotiations between the two parties resumed on Wednesday, with further talks scheduled for Friday and Monday.
The union’s new offer for its urban unit includes provisions for the inclusion of part-time workers and weekend parcel delivery, albeit with certain restrictions. Weekend mail services would primarily focus on parcel delivery, pickup, and mail sorting. Part-time workers employed for weekend duties would be limited to 20 hours per week, ensuring their numbers do not exceed the full-time workers on shift.
One of the key issues in the prolonged negotiations, which have spanned over a year and a half, has been the expansion of Canada Post’s workforce to incorporate part-time employees. Canada Post has highlighted the financial impact of the ongoing uncertainty related to collective bargaining, stating that the postal service is losing significant revenue daily.
The union is pushing for additional payments for a cost-of-living adjustment triggered by inflation hitting 10.33 percent in a quarter, a higher threshold compared to Canada Post’s previous offers. The proposal also includes enhancements to benefits, an improved short-term disability program, and maintains the status quo on the union’s defined benefit pension.
As negotiations resume, CUPW continues to uphold a national ban on overtime work. Concerns over Canada Post’s financial challenges have been a focal point, with an Industrial Inquiry Commission report earlier this year stating that the postal service is in a precarious financial state and requires substantial reforms to ensure its sustainability.
