The ongoing strike involving Canada Post is set to carry on, as the involved parties appear to be significantly apart on vital issues, stated Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon. In a recent post on social media platform X, he mentioned that the federal mediator has temporarily halted mediation efforts. This break is intended to give both sides the chance to reevaluate their positions and return to negotiations with a fresh commitment. MacKinnon emphasized that it is solely up to the parties to resolve the impasse. He expressed hope that productive discussions can resume soon, as Canadians are relying on swift action to restore services.
During a press conference, MacKinnon clarified that the government does not intend to resort to binding arbitration to force a resolution, a method previously used for port and rail workers who went on strike earlier this month. He expressed his disappointment that Canadians are still awaiting the Crown corporation’s return to full operation. MacKinnon pointed out that both parties have been provided with the best mediation support available and have had ample time to address the situation.
The strike, which began nearly two weeks ago, has seen the postal workers’ union, CUPW, advocating for salary adjustments in line with inflation, an increase in paid medical days, improved benefits, and restrictions on the use of private contractors by Canada Post. Recently, the union reported that a Canada Post labor relations manager hinted at the possibility of outsourcing weekend parcel deliveries, a statement that was perceived as threatening by union negotiators.
The union is also calling for the hiring of more full-time staff, highlighting that Canada Post has been increasing temporary hours while facing challenges with retention and training costs. In a counterstatement, Canada Post asserted that it has maintained a strong full-time workforce despite declining revenue and intense market competition. They reported that around 95% of delivery teams are full-time employees.
Throughout the negotiations, Canada Post has proposed various changes to modernize its delivery model, which they argue is essential for competing in the parcel delivery sector and for generating much-needed revenue. The company has recorded losses exceeding $3 billion since 2018 and reported a $315 million pre-tax loss in the third quarter of 2024. Furthermore, they indicated that approximately 10 million fewer parcels have been delivered since the strike commenced, based on data from the previous year.
