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Canadian Union of Postal Workers

Canada Post and CUPW at Impasse as Postal Strike Looms

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A national postal strike in Canada is set to resume Friday at midnight (May 23) unless Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) can reach a new collective agreement or agree to binding interest arbitration. The strike, which would impact an estimated 55,000 employees across Canada, would also deepen the company's already serious financial situation, according to Canada Post.

Commissioner William Kaplan's report from the Industrial Inquiry Commission (IIC) recommends Canada Post phase out daily door-to-door letter mail for all residential addresses and allow for expanded part-time weekend work. Canada Post is preparing to present offers to CUPW this week to help avert a strike, but the union is objecting to the report's recommendations and the entire process.

CUPW national president Jan Simpson stated that the union fundamentally disagrees with the bulk of the report's recommendations and challenges some of the information on which it was based. Simpson also noted that the report outlines three possible steps forward after May 22, including a final offer vote, interest arbitration, or a strike or lockout with assurance from the federal government.

Key Takeaways:

  • Canada Post and CUPW are at an impasse over collective agreements for urban postal operations and rural and suburban mail carrier bargaining units, leading to a potential national postal strike.
  • The strike would impact an estimated 55,000 employees across Canada.
  • Commissioner William Kaplan's IIC report recommends phasing out daily door-to-door letter mail and introducing part-time weekend work, which CUPW objects to as service cuts.
  • Canada Post is preparing to present offers to CUPW this week to help avert a strike, including proposals for part-time weekend jobs and flexibility in its delivery model.
  • The union has met with the Minister of Jobs and Families and the Secretary of State for Labour to discuss the labour disruption.
  • Since 2018, Canada Post has recorded more than $3 billion in losses before tax, and another significant loss is forecast for 2024.

Statistics:

  • Estimated 55,000 employees impacted by the potential national postal strike.
  • More than $3 billion in losses before tax recorded by Canada Post since 2018.
  • 2024 forecast to be another significant loss for the company.
  • 2018-2024: $3 billion in losses before tax.
  • 55% of Canada Post's revenues come from business and government services, while 45% come from retail services (Source: Canada Post media statement).

Sources:

  • InsideHalton.com, "Canada Post strike averted again, but another lockout looms: spokesperson", Jon Hamilton
  • Canada Post media statement, May 19
  • CUPW bargaining update, May 16
  • IIC report, Commissioner William Kaplan
  • CTV News, "Canada Post preparing offers to avert strike, says spokesperson"

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