The Canadian Union of Postal Workers presented new contract proposals to Canada Post on Tuesday, returning to negotiations after workers rejected the Crown corporation’s previous offers last month.
CUPW negotiators delivered global offers for both postal bargaining units during talks that included federal mediators, according to the union. Additional negotiations are scheduled for Friday and Monday.
The union’s latest proposals follow postal workers’ rejection of Canada Post’s “best and final offers” in a government-mandated vote in July, CUPW said.
Key contract demands
CUPW’s new offers include wage increases to address cost-of-living pressures and more corporate vehicles for rural and suburban mail carriers, according to the union. The proposals also call for staffing changes to reduce reliance on temporary workers and scheduling adjustments for better work-life balance.
“CUPW’s global offers provide Canada Post practical and workable solutions to expand its services and grow its revenues, while also ensuring postal workers’ contributions to an important part of Canada’s national infrastructure are valued,” said Jan Simpson, CUPW national president.
The union said it also proposed service expansions to strengthen Canada Post’s business sustainability.
Negotiations continue
Simpson said the union remains committed to reaching negotiated settlements through bargaining rather than other measures.
“As CUPE flight attendants have made so visibly clear, the best deals are reached at the table,” Simpson said. “CUPW is focused on ensuring good, stable jobs for all postal workers and strengthening the public post office.”
The talks represent the latest effort to resolve contract disputes that have been ongoing between CUPW and Canada Post, with workers previously rejecting management’s offers through a formal vote process.
