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Canada Post Strike Looms
Canada Post faces a potential nationwide strike as the union representing its workers issued a 72-hour strike notice over work conditions and wages.
English
Canada
Labour MarketNegotiationsStrikeLaborUnionDelivery
Canadian Union Of Postal Workers (Cupw)Canada PostAmazonWal-MartCanada Industrial Relations Board (Cirb)
Jan SimpsonMichael OrphenStephen HarperAdam KingStephanie RossLarry SavageSteven Mackinnon
- What are the main points of contention between CUPW and Canada Post?
- Key issues in the labor dispute include wages (CUPW demands 24%, Canada Post offered 11.5%), benefits, sick leave, and the "separate sort from delivery" system. Canada Post is also pushing for a more flexible delivery model including seven-day parcel delivery, which CUPW opposes.
- What is the likelihood of a strike, and what are the political implications?
- The likelihood of a strike is high given the strong union support (95% voted in favor) and the many unresolved issues. The Liberal government faces political pressure, as using back-to-work legislation may be less palatable now than in 2018.
- What actions are the Canadian government taking in response to the potential strike?
- The Labour Minister is urging both sides to keep negotiating to avoid a strike, while exploring options such as involving the Canada Industrial Relations Board for dispute resolution.
- What prompted the Canadian Union of Postal Workers to issue a 72-hour strike notice?
- The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) issued a 72-hour strike notice, potentially disrupting mail delivery nationwide. The dispute centers on work conditions, including longer hours and a "separate sort from delivery" system that the union argues creates health and safety issues.
- What is the financial state of Canada Post, and how has the potential strike affected its operations?
- Canada Post has been losing money since 2018 due to declining letter mail and parcel revenue. The corporation's parcel volumes have also declined by 28% since CUPW announced its strike mandate.