Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) failed to reach an agreement after a weekend of mediated talks, leaving the bargaining impasse unresolved.
The discussions, held on March 1 and 2, ran alongside an Industrial Inquiry Commission (IIC) review of the ongoing dispute and broader challenges facing the Crown corporation. Canada Post had hoped to secure a deal with the union but said little progress was made on key issues.
The company proposed a new weekend delivery model using a dedicated part-time workforce to strengthen its position in the competitive parcel delivery market. Canada Post said its plan included a more flexible staffing approach, guaranteed weekday hours for new part-time flex positions, and renewed job security provisions for regular employees.
“These changes are essential to provide Canada Post the ability to grow its core delivery business in today’s competitive environment,” the corporation said in a statement. It described CUPW’s response as lacking “meaningful movement” and accused the union of pushing for proposals that would increase costs and add rigidity to the delivery model.
CUPW has not publicly commented on the breakdown of talks. The union has previously advocated for improved working conditions, stable job security, and protections for full-time employees.
The stalled negotiations come as Canada Post grapples with financial difficulties. In January, the federal government announced up to $1.034 billion in repayable funding to help the company remain solvent through the 2025-26 fiscal year.
Despite the setback, Canada Post said it remains committed to negotiating new collective agreements.
