On Sunday evening, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) sent out a national strike alert regarding its continuing labour dispute with Canada Post. They vehemently disagreed with the company’s response last week to turn down a call for binding arbitration. CUPW has been in a legal strike position since May 23. They claimed that if you push a union vote through that won’t create peace in the valley and actually might create more discord amongst the workforce!
Canada Post’s central union, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), had originally proposed a 14 percent raise over four years. They proposed changes to staffing model to bring on part-time employees to work weekend shifts. Though given the legislative authority to adopt such proposals, Canada Post took a different route. In retaliation, CUPW imposed an overtime ban and other measures to ratchet up the pressure in bargaining.
“This refusal constitutes yet another demonstration that Canada Post is not interested in a reasonable outcome to this round of negotiation,” stated CUPW in their Sunday evening announcement. In a statement to NPR, the union cautioned that a rushed vote would likely increase the existing labor strife. This standoff threatens to worsen factionalism and prolong instability for all participants.
The first report describing the incident was released by the Canadian Press on June 1st, 2025. An update followed later that same day at 8:26 pm, incorporating additional insights into the union’s stance and the ongoing negotiations. Christopher Reynolds in Montreal helped put this report in context as this huge story continues to develop.
The CUPW’s actions reflect its commitment to advocating for postal workers’ rights and ensuring that their voices are heard during this critical juncture in negotiations with Canada Post. The union is demanding to negotiate terms at the table. They resist being brought to an up or down vote against their will, perhaps showcasing the difficulty of the present labor relations climate.
