The labor union representing 55,000 Canada Post employees has declared the conclusion of their nationwide strike and announced the commencement of rotating strikes beginning this weekend. The announcement was made on Thursday evening via the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) official website.
According to the notice by CUPW president Jan Simpson, the transition to rotating strikes will initiate on Saturday, October 11 at 6 AM local time. Simpson emphasized that this shift aims to resume mail and parcel services while advocating for fair collective agreements and a robust public postal system.
The specific timeline for the resumption of mail delivery following this change remains unclear. CBC News has reached out to CUPW for further details, while Canada Post is yet to respond to requests for comments.
The current strike marks the second nationwide labor action within a year by the union, leading to a significant disruption in mail and package deliveries. The strike was triggered by the government’s recent announcement to restructure the financially troubled Crown corporation, which is projected to incur a $1.5 billion loss by 2025 and is currently sustained by a $1 billion federal loan.
In response to the government’s restructuring plans, the union accused Canada Post of undermining the negotiation process and announced meetings with Government Transformation Minister Joël Lightbound to address the ongoing dispute. The proposed changes include ceasing door-to-door delivery (with exceptions for accessibility) and granting Canada Post greater operational autonomy.
The union strongly criticized the government’s restructuring proposal, stating that it could lead to severe job cuts and a decline in postal services. The union reiterated its commitment to advocating for quality public services, secure employment opportunities, and a sustainable postal service accessible to all Canadians.
The union’s message underscores the ongoing efforts to safeguard Canada Post’s financial stability and operational viability amidst the current challenges.