CUPW files 72-hour notices to strike
Canada Post has announced that the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has provided the postal operator with 72-hour strike notices. In a statement issued yesterday (25 August), Canada Post said that the union will therefore be in a legal position to commence strike action on Sunday (28 August).
Meanwhile, Canada’s Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, MaryAnn Mihychuk, announced yesterday that she will appoint a special mediator to assist in negotiations with CUPW.
Canada Post said it will “fully cooperate in the process”.
Canada Post added: “We hope that the assistance of a neutral third party will help both parties address the real challenges facing the postal service caused by declining mail volumes and increasing pension obligations.
“Canada Post remains committed to reaching agreements that are fair to our employees, and allow us to continue to provide affordable pricing and service to Canadians.”
CUPW also issued a press statement yesterday – in which it claimed that the “latest actions” of Canada Post’s President and CEO Deepak Chopra left the union ” no choice but to file a 72-hour notice of job action”.
CUPW said that in the notice it sent to Canada Post management it “listed its anticipated job actions but has stopped short of walking off the job”.
CUPW national president Mike Palecek added: ““We are still willing to withdraw our notice if Canada Post agrees to an extension. Our goal remains a freely negotiated collective agreement, without disruption to the public service that we proudly provide to the people of this country.”
