Negotiations between Canada Post and the union are being delayed

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) and Canada Post have rescheduled their meeting, originally set for August 17, to August 25. The postponement comes as both parties continue to negotiate a new collective agreement.

Canada Post has claimed that the postponement is due to the need for more time to review the comprehensive global offers presented by CUPW on August 20. The union's offers, aimed at securing ratifiable collective agreements that respect workers' rights and ensure good services for the community, include a total 19% wage increase over four years for urban postal workers.

The CUPW's offer for urban postal workers also proposes a weekend parcel delivery system using only full-time workers. This system, which the union has long called for, is intended to better compete against Amazon and other private delivery companies.

In addition to the wage increase and weekend parcel delivery system, the CUPW's offer for urban postal workers demands an end to contracted workers and limits for forced overtime. The union's current overtime ban remains in place.

Canada Post, on the other hand, has proposed wage hikes of approximately 13% over four years and restructuring to add part-time workers to the collective agreement. The company claims that the part-time jobs will create stability and predictability for those seeking flexible work.

The CUPW's new offer comes after their rejection of Canada Post's 'best and final' offers in May, which did not meet their needs. The union's offer also includes a cost-of-living allowance system that triggers additional payments during periods of high inflation.

As of now, it is unclear which party or negotiation partner will respond to the CUPW's global offer on August 25. A request for confirmation sent to Canada Post regarding the postponement has yet to receive a response.

The negotiations between Canada Post and CUPW are of significant importance, as they will shape the working conditions and wages for thousands of postal workers across the country. The outcome of these negotiations will also impact the services provided by Canada Post and its ability to compete in the rapidly evolving delivery industry.