After conducting a nationwide strike, the union representing 55,000 Canada Post workers has decided to shift to rotating strikes starting this weekend. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) made this announcement on their website late Thursday.
CUPW President Jan Simpson stated in the notice that the transition to rotating strikes will commence on Saturday, October 11, at 6 AM local time. This move aims to kickstart mail and parcel deliveries while persisting in the pursuit of favorable collective agreements and a robust public postal service.
The exact timeline for the resumption of mail delivery to Canadian residents remains unclear following the union’s message. CBC News has sought clarification from CUPW, while Canada Post is yet to respond to requests for comments.
This recent strike marks the union’s second nationwide strike within a year, leading to a near standstill in mail and parcel deliveries. The strike was triggered by the government’s proposal to restructure the Crown corporation, projected to incur a $1.5 billion loss by 2025, currently sustained by a $1 billion federal loan.
In a statement on Thursday night, the union criticized the government for enabling Canada Post to undermine the bargaining process by introducing changes amid the ongoing contract dispute. CUPW officials, including Simpson, met with Government Transformation Minister Joël Lightbound on Wednesday and plan to reconvene next week.
The government’s restructuring plan, including ending door-to-door delivery with exceptions for accessibility and granting more operational independence to Canada Post, has been advocated by the corporation for financial sustainability. The union expressed concerns on their website that these measures could lead to service reductions and job cuts at Canada Post.
Emphasizing their commitment to preserving public services, employment opportunities, and a sustainable public post office, the union vowed to continue advocating for these principles.
