CUPW Looking Over Latest Offer From Canada Post As Friday Strike Deadline Looms

Canada Post has presented new global offers to the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, ahead of a midnight strike deadline.

The union says it received the offers yesterday and was taking the time to review the details and would have an update after analysis is complete.

Canada Post says the new offers, for the Urban and RSMC (Rural and Suburban Mail Carriers) bargaining units, go further on wage increases and would protect employees’ benefits and entitlements.

The Union issued the Friday strike notice earlier this week.

If there is job action, it would be the second time in six months. About 55-thousand workers walked off the job for about a month late last year.

Meanwhile, the province says it is taking steps to ensure people continue to receive provincial disability and income assistance in the event of a labour dispute.

The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction says it is working to ensure the distribution of payments is done in a timely manner and is incorporating lessons learned during the November-December strike.

Despite the mail service disruptions during the 2024 strike, the ministry distributed 98% of monthly payments, aligning with normal distribution rates.

All monthly income and disability assistance cheques that are set to be mailed to clients and service providers will instead be sent directly to ministry offices for distribution where people can pick up their cheques.

If they can’t make it, the ministry says it will do what it can to make other arrangements.

Nearly 90% of people will receive their payments by direct deposit, despite any potential Canada Post service disruption.