“It’s certainly a relief.”
That’s from CUPW 812 President Nicole Chouinard after the union voted in a favour to accept the tentative agreement for Urban and Rural Mail Carriers, officially ending a two-year squabble with Canada Post.
Chouinard told MyPGNow.com the focus now is preserve a crucial service for the region.
“We work and live in a world where door-to-door delivery isn’t just normal, its expected in this day and age. For Canada Post to be advocating to eliminate door-to-door delivery is a step backwards and we want as a union and as workers to maintain that service.”
In any case, Chouinard noted its nice to get to the finish line after a lengthy and sometimes contentious negotiation.
“Anytime you are in negotiations, neither side is going to end up with 100% of what they are looking for and the vote was a long process but our union does informed votes, there was no getting peoples with giving people an educated decision about that vote.”
“It is certainly a relief, that is the overwhelming feeling that we have some stability over the next couple of years and its over.”
Tentative agreements were finalized at the end of January, which includes higher wage increases, enhanced benefits and a weekend parcel delivery model.
Both parties will soon sign the agreements, which will run until January 31st, 2029.
Statement by President and CEO Doug Ettinger
“We are pleased that CUPW-represented employees have voted to ratify these new collective agreements. With the stability of new agreements in place, we look forward to working with our employees and bargaining agents to rebuild the business, restore confidence in the postal system and better serve the country.
Thank you to Canadians and businesses large and small for their patience over the last two years. We will work hard to regain your trust.
While the process was challenging, these negotiated agreements recognize that Canada Post needs to change. They mean we can provide affordable weekend parcel delivery and make needed adjustments to our retail network while ensuring we continue to provide good-paying jobs across the country.
The new agreements are critically important as the Corporation moves ahead with its transformation to return to financial sustainability and better meet the modern needs of the country.
Canada Post plays an essential role in serving all Canadians by delivering to every corner of the country. It’s time to move forward by working together to renew and re-establish this important Canadian service.”
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing pgnews@vistaradio.ca.
