Canada Post, workers union reach agreement
Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) have reached an agreement in principle, averting a work disruption the CUPW had twice postponed since the two sides entered into negotiations with a mediator on Aug. 26.
“The agreements will avert a work disruption, bringing much-needed certainty in the postal system for our employees and customers,” Canada Post said in a statement on its website.
“Canadians can now use the postal system with confidence.
“This is especially important as Canadian businesses large and small are already planning for the upcoming holiday shipping season.”
CUPW’s negotiating committee unanimously recommended the agreements - one each for urban and rural workers - to its national executive board, which recommends the membership ratify them.
Two-year agreement
The agreements are for two years, rather than the usual four-year agreements that were negotiated in the past.
In its statement, Canada Post indicated that the two-year agreements would avoid a work disruption and allow more time to examine issues facing the crown corporation, including declining mail volumes and rising pension costs, and the best way to address them.
Details of the agreements can be found on the CUPW website.
CUPW has yet to set a date for the ratification vote.
In the meantime, it will be business at usual at post offices across the country.
