The labor union representing 55,000 Canada Post employees has announced the cessation of its nationwide strike and the initiation of rotating strikes, starting this upcoming weekend. The decision was communicated through a notice posted on the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) website late on Thursday night.
According to CUPW president Jan Simpson, the shift to rotating strikes will commence on Saturday, October 11 at 6 AM local time. The purpose of this change is to resume mail and parcel deliveries while advocating for favorable collective agreements and a robust public postal service.
The timeline for the restoration of mail services to Canadians following this transition remains unclear as per the union’s message. CBC News has reached out to CUPW for further details, while Canada Post is yet to provide a comment on the matter.
This recent strike marks the union’s second nationwide action within a year, leading to a near standstill in mail and parcel deliveries. The strike was triggered by the federal government’s announcement of restructuring plans for the Crown corporation, projected to incur a $1.5 billion loss by 2025 and currently sustained by a $1 billion federal loan.
In a statement released on Thursday night, the union criticized the government for enabling Canada Post to undermine the negotiation process by introducing changes amidst the ongoing contract dispute. Union leaders, including Simpson, met with Government Transformation Minister Joël Lightbound on Wednesday and scheduled another meeting for the following week.
Several reforms outlined by Lightbound last month align with long-standing requests by Canada Post to ensure its financial sustainability. These reforms include discontinuing door-to-door delivery, with exceptions for accessibility, and granting the corporation more autonomy in its delivery operations.
The union condemned the government’s plan on their website, asserting that it would lead to significant job cuts and service reductions at Canada Post. The message emphasized the union’s commitment to defending public services, preserving jobs, and securing a viable public postal service for all Canadians.