Union accuses Crown corporation of delays while mediator-led negotiations remain in limbo
OTTAWA — Mail delivery delays may continue across the country as Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) remain locked in a tense standoff. While talks are expected to resume in the coming days, a national overtime ban remains firmly in place.
After a weekend meeting between union negotiators and Canada Post officials, CUPW said Sunday that progress was limited. Union president Jan Simpson confirmed that Canada Post left the meeting early afternoon to review the union’s documents and may take a few days before returning to the table.
“We hope the Corporation is back to us as soon as possible,” Simpson said. “Although talks continue, the nationwide overtime ban remains in effect.”
The impasse follows Canada Post’s presentation of a new contract offer last Wednesday, which includes a proposed pay increase and plans to introduce a fleet of part-time workers. However, the union has yet to issue a formal reply and criticized Canada Post for rejecting its request for a two-week truce to fully examine the offer—described as a 700-page document requiring legal review.
“If instability hangs over these negotiations, it’s due to Canada Post’s uncompromising stance and time management,” CUPW said in a statement.
The existing collective agreement expired Thursday. Though CUPW issued a 72-hour strike notice last week, it chose to implement a nationwide overtime ban instead of initiating a full-scale walkout.
Canada Post, for its part, says its proposals are shaped by harsh financial realities. A recent federal Industrial Inquiry Commission report declared the Crown corporation “effectively bankrupt” and recommended sweeping reforms—such as phasing out daily door-to-door delivery and adopting dynamic, flexible routing systems for mail carriers.
While both parties prepare for the next round of mediation, Canadians may face further service disruptions as the union pushes for stronger commitments on wages and job protections.