With just hours remaining before a potential nationwide postal strike, the union representing approximately 55,000 Canada Post workers says the latest contract proposals from the Crown corporation fail to address key concerns.
In a bulletin released late Wednesday night, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) said it is still reviewing the updated offer but cited several areas where the proposals “fall short,” particularly regarding wage increases and cost-of-living adjustments.
Canada Post is offering wage increases totaling just over 13% over four years, while CUPW is pushing for closer to 19%, citing the need to make up for years of inflation-driven income erosion.
The union also raised red flags over a proposal to expand part-time staffing and introduce “dynamic routing” — a system that could alter mail delivery routes daily based on changing conditions. CUPW criticized the model’s lack of clear rules or safeguards for workers.
Additionally, the union dismissed Canada Post’s offer of six personal days as insufficient, calling it “window dressing” and noting these days are already mandated under the Canada Labour Code.
CUPW also opposed a proposed removal of the workers’ five-minute wash-up time, calling it a basic necessity being unfairly targeted.
Unless a deal is reached before midnight Thursday, postal workers are set to launch a strike — their second in less than six months.
The union had requested a two-week truce to allow time for thorough review and negotiation on the updated proposals, but Canada Post declined.
“After two years of discussions, a lengthy strike, and a five-month pause during the Industrial Inquiry Commission, our employees, customers, and Canadians are looking for the certainty that only agreements can provide. Further delay is in no one’s interest,” Canada Post spokesperson Lisa Liu said in a statement Wednesday.
Canadians are bracing for the potential disruption of mail and parcel services, which could affect everything from bill payments and government correspondence to small business deliveries.