JULY 8, 2016 – Canada Post has agreed to a request by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) for a 30-day extension, but has presented its own conditions in an effort to resolve the impasse in contract negotiations.
CUPW proposed the 30-day extension, calling it a “cooling-off period,” in order to avoid a lockout on Monday, July 11, and to allow intensive negotiations to resume. Terms and conditions of the current collective agreements, originally set to expire on July 2, would also be extended through the 30-day period. The union also said that if Canada Post agrees to the extension, then it would be willing to drop an unfair labour practices complaint against the corporation.
Canada Post responded by stating its openness to the extension and to participate in intensive negotiations but added that if the negotiations are unsuccessful, then both parties must agree to binding arbitration. CUPW has yet to respond to Canada Post’s request.
On July 7, CUPW declined an earlier suggestion by Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour MaryAnn Mihychuk that both sides submit to binding arbitration. Canada Post and CUPW have been negotiating since late 2015, yet remain far apart on key issues including working conditions, pensions for current and future employees and pay equity for rural workers.
Newspapers Canada will continue to monitor the situation and keep members informed of further developments. We urge members to investigate both print and digital options to minimize disruption of business operations and news delivery to readers.
For the latest news, visit the Canada Post section of the Newspapers Canada website at https://nmc-mic.ca/canadapost, or any of the following:
- Canada Post – Announcements at https://www.canadapost.ca/web/en/blogs/announcements/list.page?cattype=announcements&cat=newsreleases
- Canada Post – Negotiations Updates at https://www.canadapost.ca/web/en/comm/list.page?ecid=murl|ddn|lr|5
- Canada Post – Updates: CUPW Rural and Suburban Mail Carriers at http://cupw-rsmc.infopost.ca/
- Canada Post – Updates: CUPW Urban at http://cupw-urban.infopost.ca/
- Canadian Union of Postal Workers – Urban and RSMC Negotiations at http://www.cupw.ca/en/collective-agreements/urban-and-rsmc-negotiations
For more information, contact your Canada Post account representative or:
- Canada Post – Commercial Service Network: Toll-free 1-866-757-5480
- Newspapers Canada:
John Hinds, Chief Executive Officer, jhinds@newspaperscanada.ca
Tina Ongkeko, Managing Director, Member Services, tongkeko@newspaperscanada.ca
