After talks last week aimed at paving the way for binding arbitration, Canada Post and the union representing its 55,000 employees were back trading public potshots Monday, with both sides accusing the other of not negotiating seriously.
Monday afternoon, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) blasted the Crown corporation, saying it was counting on government action to force an end to the dispute.
“CUPW’s ultimate goal in returning to the bargaining table remains new negotiated ratifiable collective agreements,” CUPW said in a written statement. “However, Canada Post’s actions suggest it does not want to negotiate. It wants to rewrite our agreements — and is seeking to use government interference to further its goals.”
The union pointed to Canada Post’s request to federal jobs minister Patty Hajdu late last month to order a vote on its “final” contract offer, as well as then-federal labour minister Steven MacKinnon’s decision last December to “pause” a 32-day strike by creating an Industrial Inquiry Commission run by veteran arbitrator William Kaplan.
“The historic rights and benefits our union has gained for our members — and for Canadian society — such as maternity leave have been won through our collective bargaining rights,” CUPW added. “The attempt to trample over them should send a chill through the labour movement. CUPW will be standing against a forced vote — and for collective bargaining rights.”
In a written statement Monday, Canada Post said two days of talks last week to set the terms for arbitration didn’t result in any progress. The Crown corporation also said the union still hadn’t provided an official response to its final offer. It also suggested Kaplan’s report should be part of the terms of reference for any arbitration.
“The final report of the Industrial Inquiry Commission clearly outlines the critical issues we face and the immediate actions that need to be taken. It should therefore be the foundational document that guides any discussions about Canada Post’s path forward. The union’s refusal to recognize the IIC report and its recommendations in their proposed terms of reference for arbitration is unacceptable,” Canada Post said. “After 18 months we urgently need a fair resolution that begins to address our challenges while respecting the important role our employees play, and the voice they have in our future.”
Earlier this month, Canada Post rejected the union’s request for binding arbitration, saying it would take too long, and could exacerbate their financial struggles.
On May 28, Canada Post made what it called its “final” contract offer, which includes a 13 per cent wage increase spread over four years, as well as a $1,000 signing bonus. Two days later, it asked Hajdu to order a vote on the offer, a request blasted by CUPW.
