Negotiations Resume in Canada for Third Time This Year
- OTTAWA (AP) — Negotiations between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) resumed Wednesday, marking the third attempt to reach an agreement as federal intervention...
- In mid-December 2024, Federal Labor Minister Steven MacKinnon stepped in to halt a legal strike involving 55,000 postal workers.
- Since then, three attempts to restart negotiations have occurred.
Canada Post, Union Resume talks to Avert Potential Labor Disruption
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OTTAWA (AP) — Negotiations between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) resumed Wednesday, marking the third attempt to reach an agreement as federal intervention ended a strike in December.Both sides confirmed the renewed discussions, stating that talks are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday with a mediator present.
Federal Intervention and Extended Agreements
In mid-December 2024, Federal Labor Minister Steven MacKinnon stepped in to halt a legal strike involving 55,000 postal workers. At that time, MacKinnon extended the collective agreements for both the urban and rural/suburban units until May 22.
Since then, three attempts to restart negotiations have occurred. Initial talks took place Jan. 15-17, followed by a break. A second attempt to reach an agreement occurred in early March,but without success. The current round of negotiations is taking place April 30 and May 1.
With the May 22 expiration date of the minister’s extended agreements looming, pressure is mounting to reach a resolution.
Key issue: Weekend Delivery
A primary point of contention remains the structure of weekend delivery services.
CUPW proposes utilizing full-time employees with schedules adjusted accordingly, such as Tuesday-to-Saturday rotations. canada Post management prefers using part-time workers for weekend delivery.
Canada Post stated, “We strive to conclude new collective agreements that will help us better meet the evolving needs of the population and businesses while offering good jobs to people who provide this service.”
Management added, “We had hoped that new agreements would already be concluded at this stage.To end this situation of uncertainty is our priority.”
Jan Simpson, CUPW National President, emphasized the union’s resolve despite the challenging negotiations. “It was not a secret for anyone that this negotiation round was notably trying. However, the union is not weakening: we want good collective conventions wich provide for just wages, health and security protections, job security and the right to retire in dignity.”
Additional Resources
Canada post and Union Negotiations: What You Need to Know
Are Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) currently in negotiations?
Yes, negotiations have resumed between Canada Post and CUPW. Thes talks, the third attempt to reach an agreement, are underway as of April 30th, 2025, and May 1st, 2025. The goal is to avert any potential labor disruption.
Why are Canada Post and CUPW negotiating?
They are working to finalize a new collective agreement. The previous agreements, which covered both urban and rural/suburban units, were extended by Federal labor Minister Steven MacKinnon until May 22, 2025, after intervention halted a potential strike in December 2024. With the expiration date approaching, both sides are under pressure to come to an agreement.
When did previous negotiation attempts take place?
There have been three attempts to reach an agreement:
* Frist Attempt: January 15-