Canada Post makes new offers to workers ahead of strike deadline

The union representing postal workers says Canada Post is planning to issue a new set of offers Wednesday.

Earlier this week, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) issued strike notices to the company, saying it was ready to suspend operations by Friday.

Key sticking points include conflicts over weekend labour. Canada Post wants to hire part-time staff to deliver on weekends. The union opposes this idea, as full-time workers are currently paid overtime for weekend work.

Other outstanding issues include pay, benefits and pensions.

The Crown corporation confirmed Wednesday it had filed a new set of proposals for workers in the urban bargaining unit and the rural and suburban unit.

CUPW, which represents about 55,000 employees of the postal service, said its negotiating team would examine the proposals Wednesday afternoon.

Canada Post said it has rejected the union’s request for two weeks to consider the proposals.

CUPW national president Jan Simpson said in a statement that the union would “carefully review the details of the [new] offers to ensure they align with the priorities and needs of our members.”

No word yet on whether the strike date could be postponed.

With files from The Canadian Press.

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