Ottawa is getting involved in the Canada Post strike – now into its 29th day.
Federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon stated the two sides are at an impasse and he’s applying a solution.
“I have asked the Canada Industrial Relations Board if they also determine that there is an impasse to order Canada Post and all employees represented by CUPW to resume their operations and duties and to extend the terms of their existing collective agreements until May 22nd 2025.”
MacKinnon says an industrial inquiry commission will be formed and will dig into the structural issues preventing the labour dispute from being resolved.
Statement on the dispute between the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) and Canada Post. pic.twitter.com/smxBvQveHq
— Steven MacKinnon (@stevenmackinnon) December 13, 2024
In the statement, Mckinnon noted the work stoppage has had a significant impact on small businesses, charities, seniors as well as Indigenous Peoples.
The strike began on Nov. 15, after the union said it made little progress after a year of bargaining.
The 55,000 employees who are part of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) want better wages, safe working conditions, the right to retire with dignity, and the expansion of services at the public post office. This includes its 204 members at Local CUPW 812 which includes Mackenzie, Vanderhoof, Prince George, Burns Lake and Fraser Lake.
Since the announcement was made, the postal workers union has issued a statement voicing its displeasure of the recent developments:
Today, the Union has learned that the Minister of Labour is using his powers under Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code to direct the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to determine whether Canada Post and CUPW can negotiate collective agreements in the near future.
The CIRB will hear from the parties as soon as possible. If the CIRB determines the parties cannot reach agreements, the CIRB will order the Union back to work.
The Union denounces in the strongest terms this assault on our constitutionally protected right to collectively bargain and to strike.
This order continues a deeply troubling pattern in which the government uses its arbitrary powers to let employers off the hook, drag their feet, and refuse to bargain in good faith with workers and their unions.
Subsequently, Canada Post is also reviewing the details of the Labour Minister’s announcement:
Canada Post is currently reviewing the details of the Minister of Labour’s announcement this morning to ensure we are prepared to fully participate in the process and comply with the Minister’s directive.
While that unfolds, we look forward to welcoming our employees back to work and serving Canadians and customers. We will take all appropriate steps to support that process as quickly as possible given the direction provided to us by the Minister.
Our commitment has always been to reach negotiated agreements with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) that would help us better serve the changing needs of Canadians and provide good jobs to those who provide the service. We remain committed to doing so within this new process while also meeting the postal needs of Canadians.
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