The union representing 51-thousand Postal Workers in this country will meet with the media at 11:30 this morning to give an update on contract negotiations with Canada Post.
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The move comes as stalled negotiations reach a critical stage, with the union’s 60 day strike mandate expiring tomorrow.
The union says the notice spells out what actions its planning, but stops short of a full-blown walkout.
The union is accusing Canada Post of continuing to make unacceptable demands.
They are not seeing eye-to-eye on key issues such as pay equity for rural carriers and planned changes to their pension.
Unfortunately, the same can not be said for Canada Post, whose President and CEO Deepak Chopra refused the Minister’s request, forcing the union into a labour dispute. The union has also called for equalizing pay among rural carriers, who are mostly women, with urban carriers. The federal government then brought in back-to-work legislation, which has since been deemed unconstitutional. “We are still willing to withdraw our notice if Canada Post agrees to an extension”.
The crown corporation says it has no interest in supporting CUPW’s request to extend the strike mandate, “which is unprecedented and would be completely inappropriate”.
Labour Minister MaryAnn Mihychuk offered the mediation service late Wednesday after months of bitter disagreement, and encouraged both sides to come together.
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“The union continues to press for more than $1 billion in demands with no appreciation for the current and troubling future state of the postal service caused by declining mail volumes and increasing pension obligations”, said Canada Post spokesman Jon Hamilton.
