The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) is set to meet with the federal minister responsible for Canada Post as a nationwide strike drags into its second week, escalating tensions over government intervention in collective bargaining.
Postal workers walked off the job nearly two weeks ago following Procurement Minister Joël Lightbound’s announcement of sweeping changes to Canada Post’s mandate. The reforms would allow the Crown corporation to end daily mail delivery, expand community mailboxes, and close some rural post offices — all while contract negotiations with the union remain unresolved.
CUPW has accused Ottawa of undermining the bargaining process, arguing that the changes jeopardize the long-term future of Canada’s postal service. The union is urging the minister to reverse the reforms, saying government involvement has complicated talks that have already stretched on for nearly two years.
Canada Post, facing significant financial pressures, has welcomed the government’s mandate changes as a necessary step to modernize operations. Last week, the corporation tabled a new set of proposals that maintained existing wage offers but included provisions for expected job cuts — a move the union described as a “step back” from earlier negotiations.
Tonight’s meeting will be CUPW’s first in-person discussion with Lightbound since the reforms were announced. Union representatives say the talks will focus on the government’s mandate changes and Canada Post’s latest offer, which remains a major sticking point in resolving the strike.