Canada Post has rejected the directive from the Liberal government to alter its operational model, dismissing claims that it gives the postal service an advantage over the striking union in their ongoing dispute. According to Jon Hamilton, a Canada Post spokesperson, the union initiated the strike in response to the proposed changes, and he refuted the notion that it provides any leverage to Canada Post.
The strike was called by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) shortly after the federal government directed Canada Post to discontinue home delivery and close certain rural mail outlets as part of a modernization plan aimed at stabilizing the postal service’s finances. The government believes these changes are necessary to prevent Canada Post from facing a projected $1.5 billion loss by 2025.
Following the announcement of the reforms, Canada Post stated that it was reassessing an offer intended for CUPW and would present a revised version to workers in due course. The Crown corporation has been given 45 days to submit a cost-saving plan to the government, with Hamilton confirming that they are currently working on it and will share the plans with Public Works Minister Joël Lightbound.
In a separate development, CUPW negotiator Jim Gallant expressed his dissatisfaction with Canada Post’s management and accused the federal government of adopting ideas proposed by the postal service. Gallant highlighted that Canada Post had been pushing for these changes during negotiations for the past two years.
Moreover, Nancy Peckford, the mayor of North Grenville, Ontario, voiced concerns about the impact of the strike on her community, which heavily relies on Canada Post services. She emphasized the importance of maintaining the local post office as a vital hub for community connection.
As the situation unfolds, both sides are at a standstill, with the future of Canada Post and its services hanging in the balance amid the ongoing labor dispute and proposed operational changes.
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