The impasse between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) deepened this week, with the postal service expressing frustration over what it describes as regressive demands from the union. As the national strike enters its fourth week, Canada Post criticized CUPW’s latest offers for widening the divide rather than fostering progress.
In a statement released Monday, Canada Post described the union’s proposals as a step backward, adding significant and unsustainable costs while maintaining a delivery model that the corporation says is out of step with modern needs. A key sticking point in negotiations is the union’s demand for all contracted services to be brought in-house, making facility cleaning staff and other contracted roles permanent Canada Post employees.
The dispute comes at a critical juncture for the postal service, which has faced seven consecutive years of financial losses, accumulating more than $3 billion in deficits since 2018. With mounting financial pressures exacerbated by the ongoing strike, Canada Post warned of serious risks to its ability to continue operating as a vital public infrastructure serving Canadians and businesses across the country.
The strike, involving 55,000 CUPW members, has disrupted mail and parcel deliveries nationwide, hitting small businesses, charities, and remote communities particularly hard. While Canada Post says it has made concessions in recent weeks to narrow the gap in negotiations, the union has reportedly returned to earlier positions or raised its demands.
Canada Post maintains that its approach to bargaining has been fair and focused on long-term sustainability. The corporation has proposed adjustments to its delivery model, including weekend delivery and other service improvements, while preserving core benefits for employees, such as full-time positions, wage increases, pensions, and up to seven weeks of vacation. The proposals also include creating part-time weekend roles with guaranteed hours, benefits, and opportunities for temporary employees.
Union representatives have remained firm in their stance, advocating for better conditions and protections for their members. The specifics of CUPW’s latest offer have not been disclosed, and union leaders have yet to comment publicly on Canada Post’s statement.
As the strike drags on, the stakes continue to rise for both sides. The disruption is straining businesses during the holiday season, and public frustration with the lack of resolution is mounting. Meanwhile, the corporation’s deteriorating financial position underscores the urgency of reaching a settlement that balances employee demands with the need to modernize operations.
Negotiations are ongoing, but there is no indication of an imminent breakthrough. In the meantime, the pressure on both Canada Post and CUPW to find common ground remains intense as the strike’s impact ripples across the country.
