The Canadian Union of Postal Workers said Canada Post’s latest contract proposals represent a major step backward, accusing the Crown corporation of “making a mockery of the collective bargaining process” as a weeks-long strike shows no sign of resolution.
In a statement Friday, CUPW national president Jan Simpson said the company’s new global offers, tabled after 45 days of waiting, are “worse than what we rejected in August” and fail to meet the government’s call for ratifiable agreements.
She said the proposals include fresh rollbacks such as eliminating job security provisions, extending the workforce adjustment zone to 60 kilometres, and cutting jobs outright.
“Canada Post must have known that there is no way we can accept these and is clearly wasting even more time,” Simpson said. “Postal workers want stability for our families and the public who depend on us, not insulting offers that force us to pay for the financial crisis Canada Post created.”
Canada Post said its offers maintain core protections for employees while helping modernize the postal service. The proposals include compounded wage increases of 13.59 per cent over four years, protection of defined benefit pensions, health and retirement benefits, up to seven weeks’ vacation, and cost-of-living adjustments.
The corporation said the new framework reflects recent government directives to transform the postal system, including expanded use of community mailboxes, more flexible delivery standards, and restructuring of its network to focus resources on rural and remote service. It also proposed voluntary departure incentives of up to 78 weeks’ pay to manage workforce reductions, while reserving layoffs as a last resort.
Canada Post said its worsening financial situation, compounded by two national strikes and lost business to competitors, meant it could no longer offer a signing bonus. The Crown corporation said its proposals balance financial sustainability with fairness for employees and that it remains committed to reaching negotiated agreements.
CUPW said its bargaining teams will review the more than 500 pages of new offers but insists Canada Post is “not listening” and continues to undermine good faith negotiations.
The federal government has urged both sides to reach ratifiable agreements to avoid further disruption to the country’s postal system.
