Canada Post warns of potential labour disruption
As labour negotiations between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) continue, the postal operator has warned that there could be disruptions to its mail and parcel deliveries. In an official statement issued yesterday (27 June), Canada Post said: “Talks have been ongoing since late 2015, and the parties are now in the final stretch. No legal work disruption can occur until July 2, 2016. Details of the offers are highlighted in the background section below.
“While there is still time to reach new agreements, a legal work disruption could occur as early as July 2, 2016. We understand the impact a work disruption would have on customers and are therefore doing everything possible to reach a negotiated settlement quickly. While a labour disruption remains a possibility, we are asking customers to take precautions.”
Canada Post was forthright about what the effects of industrial action would be: “In the event of a labour disruption, Canada Post will not operate. Mail and parcels will not be delivered, and no new items will be accepted. Any mail and parcels within the postal system during a work disruption will be secured and delivered as quickly as possible once operations resume.”
As previously reported, Canada Post’s operations are currently the subject of a major government review, as the company’s management, the unions and politicians debate how to create a sustainable business model. One of the most hotly contested issues is the use “community mail boxes”, to replace door-to-door deliveries. Canada Post has also focused on reaping more benefits from the growth in online shopping – by providing more parcel deliveries on weekends and evenings. But Canada Post has warned that its “current approach of providing this service while paying double-time is not financially sustainable”.
