The union representing 55,000 Canada Post workers has filed an unfair labour practice complaint accusing the Crown corporation of doing an end-run around the union to negotiate directly with workers and “purposefully trying to discredit the reputation of the union.”
The complaint by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers also asks the Canada Industrial Relations Board to order “damages” be paid to the union.
“The Union is asking the CIRB to order Canada Post to stop this interference, level the playing field by giving the Union opportunity to rebut the employer’s misinformation on their platforms and order damages to the Union and members,” CUPW said in a statement posted on its website late Wednesday.
The union also accused Canada Post of using “alarmist” language to “intimidate and coerce” workers.
In a written statement Thursday morning, Canada Post said it had every right to communicate with its employees, and said it will fight the complaint.
“We reject the allegations made by CUPW in their entirety and we will respond in the proper forum,” Canada Post said. “In the meantime, we believe both parties should focus their energies on finding a timely and fair resolution to bring stability to the postal service, for our employees and customers.”
