Canada Post says it is reassessing its latest offers to the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) following major reforms announced by the federal government on Thursday.
In a statement released on Thursday, Canada Post said it remains committed to reaching negotiated agreements but that the sides remain far apart.
The announcement comes after Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement Joël Lightbound outlined significant changes aimed at ensuring Canada Post delivers services in a financially sustainable manner.
Canada Post must take decisive action to deliver the services Canadians need in a way that is financially sustainable, said Lightbound.
The crown corporation said CUPW’s proposals would add billions in costs, including more than $700 million annually in new operating expenses. Additional demands include increased paid personal days, new benefits, extra full-time positions, and restrictions on operational flexibility. Canada Post noted that these measures would cost roughly $2.8 billion over the four-year agreement and exacerbate its ongoing financial challenges.
Since 2018, Canada Post has reported losses exceeding $5 billion. The crown corporation said CUPW’s counteroffers of Aug. 20 “maintain or harden the union’s position on many items” and are unaffordable said in an emailed statement.
The union launched a national strike in response to the government’s reforms, a move Canada Post described as “disappointing” and likely to worsen its financial situation.
Canada Post said it supports the government’s reforms, which it says will help the national postal service chart a sustainable path forward. The corporation pledged to modernize operations while treating employees fairly and minimizing impacts on Canadians.
“Canadians deserve a postal service that is reliable, affordable and sustainable,” the company added in the statement.
Freelancer Press reached out to the CUPW for a comment but did not receive a response before our publishing deadline. Questions remain about how the strike will affect residence of Port Moody is still unknown at the time of publishing.
Leave a Reply