Canada Post workers threaten strike action as early as Friday

Canada Post workers have issued a 72-hour strike notice to their employer, after nearly a year of ongoing contract negotiations.

The news came within the early hours of Tuesday morning, with the union representing the postal employees posting the notice on their website.

The notice was issued for the union’s urban and rural bargaining units.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) presented their second offer for both groups to Canada Post earlier this month.

This came after Canada Post presented an offer of their own on Oct. 29, that included annual wage increase amounting to 11.5 per cent over four years.

CUPW says their main sticking points revolve around continued wage increases, improved benefits, pensions, and increased frequency of sick days.

Other postal operations, like Fed Ex, are preparing for a possible labour disruption.

The Retail Council of Canada has also expressed concern, warning of the impacts this work stoppage could have on holiday shipments.

Workers could walk off the job as early as 12:01 a.m. Friday if a deal is not reached within the next three days.

READ MORE:  Canada Post continues negotiations with postal workers union