An ongoing labour dispute between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers could result in a work stoppage by Friday, July 8.
After failing to reach a contract, Canada Post gave 72-hours notice to the union that employees will be locked out as of Friday, as the negotiations have stalled.
The Sydenham Current has left messages with the Canada Post communications department inquiring about more specific details concerning the Dresden and Wallaceburg locations.
We’ll provide more information when it becomes available.
Canada Post gives notice
“Canada Post has notified the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) that it will be changing the terms and conditions of employment for all employees represented by the union starting Friday, July 8, 2016,” Canada Post officials stated in a press release issued on Tuesday.
“The uncertainty caused by the prolonged negotiations and the union’s strike mandate is having a negative and escalating impact on the postal service.”
Canada Post officials said the Corporation must now respond to the rapidly deteriorating volumes and the financial impact to the business, using the means provided in the Canada Labour Code.
“As of Friday, July 8, 2016, the terms and conditions of the current collective agreements will no longer apply. Under the new terms and conditions, employees will continue to receive their regular pay and some benefits such as applicable prescription drug coverage. Other items will be cancelled in line with the statutory minimum conditions established under the Canada Labour Code. The Corporation will also have the flexibility to adjust staffing according to the amount of work required.”
Canada Post officials added: “In order to take this step, Canada Post has followed the procedural requirements and issued a 72-hour notice to the union. The issuing of the notice does not necessarily mean that Canada Post will not be operating on Friday. It allows the Corporation to take measures that are necessary to respond to the changing business reality.”
Canada Post officials say on July 4, Canada Post informed CUPW that the offers the Corporation presented on June 25, 2016 are considered final, as they represent a fair and reasonable framework for settlements.
“The company also informed CUPW that the union’s more than $1 billion in demands were unaffordable and therefore rejected.”
Union is upset
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers said in a press release issued on Tuesday that Canada Post has served notice on fifty thousand Canadian workers that it plans to drive them out onto the streets without pay in an effort to impose steep concessions on them.
“We knew this was their game all along,” stated Mike Palecek, president of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers.
“They are sabotaging the public review of the post office. They refused to negotiate fairly with us and now they’re locking the doors and will try to starve us into submission.”
Canadian Union of Postal Workers officials say the union has been attempting to negotiate pay equity for its female-dominated workforce of rural carriers and stave off the profitable Crown Corporation’s demands for massive rollbacks.
Canada Post has tabled just one offer since negotiations began and is now shutting down Canadians’ postal service across the country.
“This is brought to you by the men who wanted to take away home delivery,” said Palecek.
“They wanted us to sell out the next generation of Canadian postal workers for a quick deal, but we stood firm. Now they’re going to hold the public hostage until they get what they want.”
Canadian Union of Postal Workers officials say Canada Post locked postal workers out in 2011 until the Conservatives forced them back to work with legislation that has since been ruled unconstitutional.
It remains to be seen what the Liberal government will do about this situation and rogue Canada Post CEO Deepak Chopra, who refused a Liberal request to resign.
“We will not be bullied by a corporation that is supposed to be providing people with public service, that is raking in millions in profits every year, and that is willfully and needlessly waging war upon tens of thousands of workers and their families,” said Palecek.
More details about the looming lockout
– Most Canada Post outlets will be closed if a lockout takes place
– Rural postal outlets, which operate under a different union, will be open, however they won’t be accepting or delivering mail
– The Government of Canada and Canada Post have put in place measures to deliver socio-economic cheques, such as child tax benefits, disability benefits, Old Age Security Pension, Canada Pension Plan benefits and benefits for veterans in the event of a lockout
– Canada Post has agreed to deliver cheques on the 20th of the month, which may be earlier than usual in some cases.
– All other payments, including those to businesses, will not be delivered until regular Canada Post operations resume.
– If you do not have upcoming travel plans, the Government of Canada recommend you wait to submit a passport or travel document application to avoid the postal disruption and potentially long wait times at passport service locations.
– Service Canada is encouraging all Canadians to sign up for direct deposit for Employment Insurance (EI) to avoid delays.
