Negotiations updates

After 18 months of challenging negotiations with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), Canada Post is seeking a timely and fair resolution to restore stability to the postal system while ensuring employees have a voice in the process by allowing them to vote.

The union’s proposal to send the matter to binding arbitration would do the opposite.

Arbitration would be long and complicated, likely lasting more than a year. This would further extend the uncertainty experienced over the last 18 months and accelerate the company’s significant financial challenges. It would also continue to leave employees without a contract – and strip them of their right to vote on a new collective agreement.

For these reasons and more, CUPW has strongly rejected binding arbitration in the past.

In a bulletin to members on October 30, 2024, CUPW President Jan Simpson wrote: “It’s evident that Canada Post is focused on pushing many of their issues to binding arbitration. This approach would delay the finalization of a complete collective agreement and redirect funds towards lawyers and arbitrators rather than investing in you.”

The Industrial Inquiry Commission has stated that “Canada Post is facing an existential crisis: It is effectively insolvent, or bankrupt. Without thoughtful, measured, staged, but immediate changes, its fiscal situation will continue to deteriorate.”

A timely resolution to negotiations that begins to address these challenges without delay, while respecting the important role employees play by allowing them to vote on the company’s future path, is the way forward.

Canada Post therefore rejects the union’s proposal and awaits a decision from the Minister of Jobs and Families on our request for the Canada Industrial Relations Board to administer a directed employee vote on our final offer.

Our commitment to your business

We know this ongoing uncertainty is challenging. Your business requires certainty and consistent, reliable service.

We will continue to keep you informed so you can plan and prepare accordingly.

More information

• Visit canadapost.ca/offers to learn more about our final offers for CUPW-represented employees.
• Read the IIC’s final report.
• Read Canada Post’s 2024 Annual Report.
• Visit our website for the latest and previous negotiations updates.