This afternoon, we received global offers from Canada Post for both the Urban Operations and RSMC bargaining units. Canada Post was clear that these are not to be taken as final offers, but proposals to get discussions moving towards a settlement.
Canada Post created a workplace crisis which has been brewing for some time. Workers are overloaded and disrespected, and despite being treated as objects and machines, we have continued to provide a high-quality service for everyone across the country. But we all have limits. Our work ethic can no longer be a license to take advantage of us. Things must change. Things must improve. The time is now.
This week, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers issued notice to bargain to Canada Post for both of our major bargaining units. After years of raucous labour-relations, attacks from government and violations of our constitutional right to free collective bargaining, there are many issues that must be resolved. The Urban Operations unit and the Rural and Suburban Mail Carriers unit will again meet the employer as one committee. Rural-Urban solidarity is key to achieving our demands.
Canada Post isn’t taking some of our key negotiations issues seriously. We want the Liberal government to use its considerable influence to ensure that a government institution like Canada Post is onside with its objectives of improving pensions, pay equity and public postal service. Please bring your friends and family and join us in Montreal.
Support Postal Banking - Download and Sign the Petition
Canada needs a postal bank. Thousands of rural towns and villages in our country do not have a bank, but many of them have a post office that could provide financial services. As well, nearly two million Canadians desperately need an alternative to payday lenders. A postal bank could be that alternative. Download and sign the petition urging the Government of Canada to instruct Canada Post to add postal banking, with a mandate for financial inclusion.
This Labour Day, workers across Canada are gathering not just to celebrate our history, but to demand a fair future. This year’s theme, “A Canada for Workers: Made Here, Paid Here,” is a call to action: the people who power this country deserve recognition and results.
After reaching out to Canada Post through the Federal mediators to schedule a meeting, the Negotiating Committees will return to the bargaining table today, Wednesday, August 27.
The Federal mediators advised us that Canada Post has cancelled today’s (August 25) planned meeting. The Corporation says it needs more time to review our latest global offers. We are expecting to receive more questions from Canada Post about our offers through the Federal mediators.
Yesterday, August 20, CUPW’s Negotiating Committees returned to the bargaining table to present comprehensive global offers for both the RSMC and Urban bargaining units.
While we had planned to meet again tomorrow, Canada Post has told us today that it needs more time to review our offers.