Canada Posts 55,000 Employees On Strike
Friday, November 15, 2024: 55,000 postal workers went on a nationwide strike Friday, November 15.
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), which represents about 55,000 postal workers, and their employer, Canada Post, have been at the negotiating table since November 2023 with no agreement in sight.
After mediators appointed last October failed, a cooling-off period was imposed. That ended on November 2, putting both sides in a legal position to initiate labor action.
In a statement posted on CUPW's website, the union says that Canada Post is refusing to negotiate real solutions for fair wages, safe working conditions, and the expansion of services at public post offices.
The statement goes on to say that Canada Post wants to roll back benefits, pensions, and wage progression.
Canada Post says they have offered wage increases, enhanced leave entitlements, and the protection of existing employee benefits, but must be able to adjust compensation for new hires coming into the system.
Canada Post also wants a more flexible delivery model, something they say is necessary to compete in today's marketplace.
Key Financial Demands by CUPW:
Wage Increases:
Year 1: 9%
Year 2: 5%
Year 3: 4%
Year 4: 4%
Total: 22% over four years (23.79% compounded).
Both sides have agreed to continue delivering essential government cheques, such as the Canada Child Benefit, Canada Pension Plan cheques, and Old Age Security cheques while the strike is ongoing.
As for packages and regular mail in the system right now, they will not be delivered.
At third-party postal outlets, like those at Shoppers Drug Mart, where the staff are employees of Shoppers, mail or parcels will not be accepted, with the exception of Amazon returns and Rogers, Shaw, or Telus equipment returns.
Canada Post mailboxes will likely be locked so no mail can be deposited.
Postal Strike Vernon Pickets
Comments