Canada Post and the union representing its employees are currently in an active negotiation. A rotating strike that’s entering its fifth week today. The union membership, led by President Jan Simpson, just turned down a tentative agreement on the same thing. Thus, on October 3, Canada Post brought forward a third, improved offer. This new updated plan appears to recycle a lot of elements from the old coalition agreement. That agreement failed to gain the union’s ratification.
The context of these negotiations is a federal government-instigated sea change to Canada Post’s mandate. These adjustments permit the expansion of community mailboxes, alterations in delivery standards, and the potential closure of certain post offices. These changes were sorely felt by the membership and leadership of the union. Jan Simpson, President of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference, has blisteringly condemned the federal government’s lack of timing and engagement. She argues that Ottawa “poisoned” the negotiations by bringing in last-minute amendments as talks continued.
Since the union’s initial decision to go on strike, which began more than a month ago, the two parties have not met for further discussions since the presentation of Canada Post’s updated offer. Simpson’s continued advice to the federal government—sit on the sidelines. Lewis underscores the need for an immediate return to the bargaining table, with a focus on constructive dialogue between Canada Post and CUPW.
Union members voted down the preliminary agreement. This decision reflects their continued dissatisfaction with labor conditions and pay. The union is now insisting on an improved deal that speaks directly to their concerns. They wish to protect their workplace from the potential deleterious effects of sudden government innovation and creativity.
As both parties learn how to walk through these new and highly complicated negotiation pathways, the jury is still out on what happens. The union’s steadfast position against the proposed changes, alongside Canada Post’s attempts to adjust its offer, will shape future discussions.
