Negotiations between the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) and Canada Post have been pushed back until Monday after the Crown corporation requested more time to review the union’s latest contract proposal.
CUPW submitted its new offer on Aug. 20 covering both Urban and Rural and Suburban Mail Carrier (RSMC) units. The plan calls for wage increases totaling nearly 19 per cent over four years—nine per cent in the first year, followed by four per cent in year two and three per cent in each of the final two years. By comparison, Canada Post’s May offer, rejected by members, proposed increases of about 13 per cent.
The union is also seeking to expand weekend parcel delivery, pickup, and sorting, relying on part-time employees capped at 20 hours per week. Part-timers would not be allowed to outnumber full-time workers on any shift. CUPW’s plan further includes a cost-of-living adjustment that would take effect if inflation tops 10.33 per cent in any quarter, above the seven per cent trigger in Canada Post’s earlier proposal.
Negotiations had been scheduled to resume Friday with the assistance of federal mediators, but will now continue on Monday, Aug. 25. CUPW has urged members to show support during a Day of Action that day, including wearing union T-shirts and displaying signs in workplaces. A nationwide overtime ban also remains in place.