Canada Post and the union representing postal workers returned to the bargaining table Wednesday after the Crown corporation’s “final” contract offer was voted down.
The meeting, originally scheduled for last Friday, was postponed as federal mediators were tied up in the Air Canada negotiations.
On Aug. 1, just under 81 per cent of the 53,000 eligible CUPW members cast their ballots — ordered by Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu — to vote on the Crown corporation’s “best and final offers presented on May 28.”
The urban unit voted the offer down 68.5 per cent to 31.5, while members of their suburban and rural unit turned it down 69.4 per cent to 30.6.
The offer included a 13-per-cent wage increase spread over four years, a $1,000 or $500 signing bonus (varying by role), and removal of compulsory overtime.
CUPW urged its members to vote no to Canada Post’s offer, saying the process was designed to avoid a negotiated settlement, and has been pressing Canada Post to return to the bargaining table following the vote outcome.
The workers have been in a legal strike position since May 23, but so far have limited their actions to an overtime ban.
The Crown corporation’s financial woes have been highlighted in an Industrial Inquiry Commission report from Commissioner William Kaplan in May, which found the postal service effectively bankrupt and in urgent need of substantial reforms to remain afloat.
Kaplan suggested Canada Post should be allowed to close more rural post offices, open more community mailboxes, and offer weekend parcel delivery with part-time workers.
The union argued that the report “skews heavily in favour of Canada Post’s positions,” and that there is no guarantee that “if these changes are made, Canada Post will increase its parcel business.”
