Local CUPW 812 President Nicole Chouinard says there is a growing concern postal workers could be off the job in a much larger capacity after the latest offer from Canada Post fell short of expectations.
Its pay offer of almost 14 per cent more over four years remains unchanged, as does its proposal to establish weekend parcel deliveries with part-time workers.
Chouinard told Vista Radio escalating job action will be more difficult this time after back to work legislation was issued by Ottawa the first time around in December.
“Canada Post has always had the government at their back. When you are negotiating with someone that can sit on their hands and wait for the federal government to get involved what incentive would Canada Post ever have to negotiate in good faith with the union.”
“There is very real fear from the members that they are going to be off work again in one way or another whether the union decides to escalate the strike action to rotating strikes or Canada Post chooses to lock us out. Neither scenario is good for us an individuals.”
The company added it’s proposing an end to compulsory overtime, signing bonuses, and better rates to compensate for cost of living increases.
The 55-thousand union members have been in a legal strike position since last Friday…..but so far, have only instituted a ban on overtime.
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