The union representing postal employees says it has acquired discover that its members will likely be locked out by Canada Put up on Friday morning if the 2 sides cannot attain a brand new settlement.
The Canadian Union of Postal Employees (CUPW) introduced on Tuesday afternoon that it was informed by Canada Put up of its intention to lock employees out at 8 a.m. Friday.
The discover got here roughly eight hours after CUPW issued a 72-hour strike discover.
“Our goal has always been to reach negotiated collective agreements that support the long-term success of our public post office, while addressing the real issues our members face daily,” mentioned Jan Simpson, CUPW Nationwide President. “Canada Post has the ability to make that happen without any job action, but it needs to come to the bargaining table and resolve both new and longstanding issues.”
The Canadian Union of Postal Employees issued a 72-hour strike discover Tuesday morning, the most recent growth in a labour dispute simply forward of the Crown Company’s busiest time of the 12 months.
The union mentioned an inventory of points stay unsolved, together with wage will increase according to inflation, including one other ten paid sick days, improved rights for short-term employees, and higher measures to keep away from contracting out of labor.
CUPW’s nationwide govt board mentioned regardless of nearly a 12 months of bargaining, the 2 sides stay far aside on these points and others.
“Though we have given discover to Canada Put up, the Nationwide Govt Board has not but decided whether or not job motion will happen instantly,” mentioned a media launch from CUPW. “It should rely on Canada Put up’s actions on the bargaining desk within the days to come back.”
Canada Put up misplaced $490-million within the first six months of the 12 months and greater than $3-billion since 2018.
Late final month, it went public with its provide to mail carriers. The provide included 11.5 per cent extra in pay over 4 years, better protections for pension advantages, higher depart entitlements, measures to guard job safety, and full assist for merging the city and rural/suburban bargaining items.
As of November 2, each side may legally lock out employees or go on strike.
Employees at Canada Put up gave their union bargaining crew a robust strike mandate of over 95 per cent.
Canada Put up has responded, saying it “intends to proceed delivering for Canadians and Canadian companies whereas working to achieve negotiated settlements.”
“Within the occasion of a labour disruption, the company will work to attenuate service disruptions, however prospects might expertise delays,” its assertion mentioned. “Mail and parcels movement by means of Canada Put up’s extremely built-in nationwide community every day to get from sender to receiver. Shutting down amenities or areas with rotating strikes may cause instant and extended ripple results all through the community.”
The service additionally warns simply the specter of a strike has considerably eroded postal volumes. Parcel volumes have dropped by 28 per cent and proceed to slip.
It notified the union that until the 2 sides attain a deal, it will rip up the present collective settlement, so it could possibly modify its operations.
“Canada Put up is quickly falling behind in at the moment’s extremely aggressive, customer-focused parcel supply market,” mentioned the company. “To safe the way forward for the enterprise, the company wants a extra versatile and reasonably priced supply mannequin. With out these adjustments, the numerous challenges going through Canada Put up will intensify.”
