Djeneba Dosso
Local Journalism Initiative

OTTAWA – As of November 4, Canadians will be greeted with an ‘Open’ sign at their local post office, despite Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW)’s inability to reach an agreement.

Canada Post presented a proposal to its union on September 25 detailing their aim to “protect and enhance what’s important to employees, within the corporation’s financial constraints, while making the changes that are necessary to better serve Canadians and Canadian businesses in today’s demanding parcel delivery market.” Their proposal was promptly met with counteroffers from CUPW on October 7, leading the parties back into negotiations.

On October 25, the union announced a strike mandate following the expiry of a 60-day conciliation period, ahead of a 21-day cooling-off period, which ended on November 2. The two parties who entered negotiations a year ago, in November 2023, have yet to reach
common ground. The boiling point was expected to take place on November 4, when either party would be in a position to initiate a labour disruption.

“We deeply value the trust that customers put in us to deliver for their business, and we understand that seasonal planning is done months in advance,” Canada Post said in a press release on October 25. The statement assured customers that the required 72 hours notice would be given in the event of a labour disruption.

An updated statement November 3 read: “The parties remain at the table…. Our goal throughout these negotiations with CUPW has always been to reach negotiated agreements, without any labour disruption.” As such, regular business hours are observed.

Both parties have continued to focus their energies on finding a resolution considering a strike would inevitably trigger a ripple effect.

“A labour disruption would have significant consequences for the businesses we serve and the millions of Canadians who rely on Canada Post, while deepening the company’s already serious financial situation,” the statement continued.

Canada Post was confident they would be able to come to an agreement with its union before the cooling-off period came to an end, but despite this optimism, as of November 4, both parties remain at the table as negotiations continue.