UPDATE: Canadian postal workers postpone overtime refusal in BC and Yukon

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) announced yesterday (29 August) that the planned refusal to work overtime in the province of British Columbia and in the Yukon has been postponed by one day. The overtime refusal was to have taken effect from today (30 August).

However, in a statement to Post&Parcel late yesterday, the CUPW said: “The postal workers’ rotating overtime refusal has been put on hold for another 24 hours.”

Mike Palecek, national president of the CUPW, commented: “We are hopeful that a negotiated settlement may be achieved but we remain prepared to defend our members and public postal services.”

The contract negotiations between Canada Post and the CUPW are continuing with the help of a government-appointed special mediator.

Meanwhile, online marketplace eBay has weighed into the dispute. Yesterday (29 August) eBay Canada asked Canadian sellers to sign a letter to the Prime Minister of Canada to request that he take action to restore confidence in Canada’s postal service.

In a notice posted on its announcements board, eBay commented: “With job action possible in the next 24hrs, the time is right for the Prime Minister to initiate an alternative solution.”