Over 55,000 Canadian postal workers go on strike

About 55,000 Canada Post workers are on strike nationwide as of 12:01 a.m. Friday, after failing to reach an agreement with their employer.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) says little progress has been made after nearly a year of bargaining.

The union issued their 72 hour strike notice earlier this week, putting pressure on for a deal to be reached.

The strike comes at a crucial time with holiday shipments beginning to ramp up and was described by the union as a “last resort.”

Talks break down at the negotiating table

The local postal worker’s union president Tracey Langille told CHCH News that the parties are still in negotiations.

The main sticking points revolve around wage increases, safe working conditions, pensions and expansion of post office services.

“Canada Post is at a critical juncture, losing $3 Billion since 2018 with losses continuing to mount,” the corporation told CHCH News. “We’ve offered competitive wage increases – 11.5 per cent over four years – and additional paid leave, while protecting their defined benefit pension and job security provisions.”

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Canada Post says that the national operations shut down will affect millions of Canadians and businesses across the country.

This strike is similar to the strike that last occurred in 2018, where rotating strikes across the country disrupted but did not stop all delivery services.

“We still believe we can achieve negotiated collective agreements, but Canada Post must be willing to resolve our new and outstanding issues,” it reads.

What that means for mail deliveries

Mail and packages will not be delivered for the duration of the strike and some offices will be closed.

Jon Hamilton, spokesperson of the Canada Post says that most post offices will be closed and any that are open will not accept anything for delivery as the strike continues. He says that all items currently in the system are secured and ready to move when services resume – either with an agreement or if rotating strikes occur.

The retail council of Canada says that many businesses who rely on Canada Post have already switched to different suppliers in anticipation of a strike, which will likely drive up costs.

The union representing Purolator says that its members will respect the picket line and not handle packages that originated from Canada Post.

“Teamsters Canada firmly believes that good union jobs – with living wages and secure retirement – are essential pillars of Canadian Society. Unfortunately, Canada Post has taken a different stance at the bargaining table,” the union told CHCH News.

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