The union representing some 50,000 postal workers says it’s rejecting a proposal to undergo binding arbitration in its labour dispute with Canada Post.
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The postal service has given notice that it will lock out the unionized employees starting Monday if there’s no deal.
In a press release issued in the past hour, Canada Post states it has agreed to voluntarily submit to binding arbitration as an opportunity for both parties to reach an acceptable resolution.
Instead of negotiating with us fairly, this profitable crown corporation has been busy scaring businesses and the public off with threats of labour strife.
As recently as Thursday, the union and Canada Post appeared to be miles apart on several major issues following seven months of negotiations.
Dean Woronoski, President of London Local CUPW, said the other involves their push for a wage increase for rural mail carriers.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Wednesday that the federal government will only consider back-to-work legislation in the event of a prolonged work stoppage.
One of the main stumbling blocks is Canada Post’s push for pension changes it claims it needs to reduce costs.
Pensions plans remain a hot topic with Canada Post offering less pay and a different pension plan for newly hired workers.
Canada Post had earlier threatened to suspend the collective agreement as of Friday, but it was unclear if it would do so in light of the extended lockout notice.
In the event of a full work disruption, Canada Post said it will not operate and that mail and parcels will not be delivered, and no new items will be accepted.
CUPW says the rural, mostly female mail carriers are paid 28 per cent less than their urban counterparts, who are mostly male.
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Canada Post said it hoped CUPW would submit to binding arbitration.
