The stalemate between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) continues, with both sides confirming they will return to the bargaining table next week after weeks of heightened tensions and strike action.
In a bulletin to members, CUPW National President Jan Simpson said the union finally received word — via federal mediators — that Canada Post intends to present new global offers for both its Urban and Rural and Suburban Mail Carrier bargaining units.
“Postal workers have already waited far too long for Canada Post to do what’s right,” Simpson said, noting employees have been without a contract for nearly two years. She added: “It’s about time you responded – but why do we need to wait another week?”
The union criticized what it described as Canada Post’s failed “plan to dictate new terms and conditions” and vowed to keep its national ban on delivering unaddressed admail — flyers and other Neighbourhood Mail — in place until meaningful offers are made.
In a notice to customers, Canada Post confirmed it will table new global offers in response to CUPW’s August 20 proposals, which it said “added significant new costs and restrictions at a challenging time for the Corporation.”
The company said it had urged CUPW to bring forward “workable solutions that reflect the company’s current realities” but, in the absence of those, has opted to prepare new proposals itself. Canada Post said the updated offers will address major issues, including weekend delivery.
At the same time, the corporation called on CUPW to lift its flyer ban and deliver the Neighbourhood Mail items currently “trapped in our network.” Canada Post stressed that the strike measure has left community newspapers, small businesses, and charities — who already paid for the service — facing financial strain.
Both parties say they are ready to return to mediated bargaining next week, but their public statements highlight the ongoing divide. CUPW insists any settlement must meet the needs of workers and the public, while Canada Post is seeking solutions it considers financially sustainable.
Until an agreement is reached, CUPW’s flyer ban remains in effect and Canada Post says it will not accept new Neighbourhood Mail items.