Canada Post has rejected the directive from the Liberal government to modify its operational structure, asserting that it does not provide any advantage in negotiations with the striking union. The ongoing standoff between the two sides continues as Canada Post spokesperson Jon Hamilton stated in an interview on the show “Rosemary Barton Live” that aired on Sunday that the union initiated the strike in response to the changes.
The sudden nationwide strike called by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) on Thursday was in reaction to the federal government’s orders for Canada Post to discontinue home delivery and shut down some rural postal outlets. These directives are part of a modernization strategy aimed at stabilizing Canada Post’s finances and securing its future, as the Crown corporation is projected to incur a $1.5 billion loss by 2025.
Following the announcement of the reforms by Ottawa, Canada Post mentioned that it was reevaluating an offer intended for CUPW and would present an updated version to the workers in due course. The corporation has been given 45 days to submit a cost-saving plan to the government, with Hamilton indicating that they are currently working on it and will share the plans with Public Works Minister Joël Lightbound.
CUPW negotiator Jim Gallant expressed his dissatisfaction with Canada Post’s management and suggested that the recommended reforms by the government were actually proposed by the corporation itself. He highlighted that Canada Post had been pushing for these changes during the negotiation process. Gallant also refuted claims of Canada Post’s insolvency made by the corporation and Lightbound.
Mayor Nancy Peckford of North Grenville, Ontario, voiced concerns about the impact of the strike on her community, emphasizing the significant reliance on Canada Post services. She acknowledged the challenges the community would face if the local post office was closed as part of the reforms, stressing the importance of engaging strategically with municipalities to address concerns and perspectives.
Overall, the dispute between Canada Post and the union, coupled with the government’s reform directives, has sparked a heated debate over the future of the postal service and its financial sustainability.
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