Canada Post workers to stay on the job but won't work overtime
Late Thursday night, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers instead announced that its members would be refusing overtime work beginning at midnight local time across the country.
'While this action does constitute a continuation of our strike activity, postal workers will remain on the job to minimize disruption to the public,' CUPW said in a written statement.
'Canada Post has been working for months to sow fear among employees, businesses, the Government and the public about the impact of a disruption. Its actions are driving customers towards competitors including Purolator, of which it owns a 91 percent stake. Nevertheless, we stand ready to meet Canada Post back at the bargaining table to get the agreements our postal workers and communities deserve.'
CUPW met with the Crown corporation and a mediator Thursday evening ahead of the midnight deadline, raising hopes after the two sides traded public potshots earlier in the day.
A spokesperson for Canada Post said the union had requested the 7 p.m. meeting, confirming a broadcast report citing the union. But the meeting was short and not particularly productive, the Crown corporation said.
'The meeting lasted less than half an hour with CUPW raising only a small number of the many outstanding issues in an informal manner. It was unfortunately not enough to demonstrate meaningful progress,' Canada Post said in a written statement, adding that the union still hadn't provided a comprehensive response to a contract offer made on Wednesday.
'We asked them to come back, with urgency, with a response to the Global Offers we presented to the union on May 21,' Canada Post said.
Earlier Thursday, Canada Post said customers have already started bailing in anticipation of another work stoppage.
'Canada Post has already seen parcel and mail volumes decline significantly as customers prepare for another labour disruption. We remain hopeful that negotiations can resume,' the Crown corporation said in a written statement. 'Further delays or another strike would have a major impact on employees, small businesses and the millions of Canadians who rely on the postal system.'
CUPW criticized Canada Post's refusal to accept a two-week truce so the union could take a closer look at Wednesday's offer, and earlier this week said the Crown corporation was negotiating in bad faith.
Late Wednesday, the union had said Canada Post made details of its contract offer public even before giving it to CUPW negotiators, a move the union said was 'yet further evidence of (Canada Post's) lack of good faith as a bargaining partner.'
The request for a two-week pause may have been a sign of internal division within the union, said Brock University labour relations professor Larry Savage.
'It's not clear to me that CUPW is sufficiently prepared for another full-scale strike action,' said. 'I think the request for a two-week extension was in part to buy the union time to get itself organized to strike effectively. There's clearly some internal division.'
Public and political patience for a strike has waned after last year's 32-day walkout, Savage said.
That, he added, could mean the federal government might introduce back-to-work legislation sooner rather than later, if the workers do end up striking.
Prime Minister Mark Carney and federal jobs minister Patty Hajdu would have an incentive to act more quickly than Carney's predecessor Justin Trudeau, Savage argued Thursday afternoon.
'I do think the federal government took a hit for allowing the strike to drag on as long as it did. And Carney's also trying to show he's different than Trudeau,' Savage said.
Wednesday's four-year contract offer includes the creation of new, part-time carrier job categories to help Canada Post extend parcel delivery to weekends, as well as the use of 'dynamic routing' at 10 mail-sorting facilities. Dynamic routing means carriers could see their routes shift daily to accommodate changes in volume.
Canada Post said the offer also includes total wage increases of 13 per cent for existing employees, with a six per cent increase in the first year, followed by increases of three, two and two per cent.
The offer came days after veteran mediator William Kaplan delivered the official report from his Industrial Inquiry Commission to the federal government, including Hajdu.
Kaplan's report said
Canada Post was effectively insolvent
, and suggested the use of community mailboxes, the elimination of home delivery except for parcels, and getting rid of some post office locations and replacing them with franchises.
Kaplan also suggested expanding parcel delivery to seven days a week, with the use of part-time and temporary employees.
Kaplan's report also gives the government political justification for back-to-work legislation, and more importantly, for implementing wholesale changes in Canada Post's operating model, said Savage.
And CUPW, he added, will need to face that reality, even if they agree to a new contract with Canada Post.
'There are much bigger issues on the horizon that CUPW is going to have to deal with. I think Kaplan's report will give cover to the government to deal with those broader issues,' Savage said.
Meanwhile, other courier companies are also bracing for a spike in demand in the event of a strike.
'FedEx hopes a resolution is reached between Canada Post and the union,' a FedEx spokesperson said in an emailed statement. 'Anticipating that the circumstances at Canada Post may trigger an increase in demand for FedEx services, FedEx has a comprehensive contingency plan to manage and maintain the excellent service our customers have come to expect from us every day.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
My 54-year father owns his home but only has $10K for retirement — how can he catch up sooner than later?
It's hard to watch someone you love approach retirement with almost nothing saved, especially when that someone is your parent. Let's say your dad is 54, earns $70,000 a year working as a contractor and owns a home worth $400,000 outright. He's debt-free, but he doesn't have a RRSP and has only $10,000 saved in a high-interest savings account. He's starting to think about retirement, and you're starting to panic. Is it too late for him to catch up? Can you help? It's not a great spot to be in, but he's far from alone. A recent IG Wealth Management survey shows that 56% of Canadians delayed or stopped saving altogether, citing a range of pressures including debt, housing, and childcare. Meanwhile, Canadians believe they will need about $1.54 million saved to retire comfortably in 2025, according to BMO. With your dad's retirement savings sitting at $10,000, he's far behind where many Canadians believe he should be. Still, all is not lost. With a steady income, no debt and a valuable home, your dad has some advantages. The key now is using the next 10 to 15 years wisely. Here's how your family can help him turn things around. Don't Miss Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich — and 'anyone' can do it The Canadian economy is showing signs of softening amid Trump's tariffs — protect your wallet with these 6 essential money moves (most of which you can complete in just minutes) What is the best credit card in Canada? It might be the RBC® British Airways Visa Infinite, with a $1,176 first-year value. Compare it with over 140 more in 5 seconds Where does he stand? There's no getting around that your dad has fallen behind on his savings. Some financial advisors recommend having around seven times your salary saved by age 55, which means your dad should have $490K in his retirement account. But he should take solace: The 2023 median retirement savings amount for Canadians between the ages of 55 and 64 is only $120,000 (including all funds saved in RRSPs, RRIFs and LIRAs), according to Statistics Canada. But your dad has some things going for him. First, he owns his home. Second, he's debt-free, something that only 34% of Canadians aged 55 or older think they'll never achieve, according to an Ipsos poll. Plus, at his age, he's likely got several years left to work and save money. To help your dad, you can start by considering when your dad will want to retire. If he's in good health, he may have 10 to 15 years left of full-time work. If he can put off claiming his Canada Pension Plan (CPP) benefit until age 65 or later, he can maximize those monthly cheques and continue to invest money for his retirement. Next, you can try to estimate your dad's expected living expenses in retirement. If he stays debt-free, that's a major advantage, since there's no monthly loan payments or lingering bills eating into his budget. But housing is still a big piece of the puzzle. Does he plan to stay in his current home, or would downsizing be a smarter move, both financially and logistically? Once you've got a clear picture of his financial foundation, it's time to focus on the next step: helping him invest for the future. Boomers are out of luck: Robert Kiyosaki warns that the 'biggest crash in history is coming' — Where should he start? Your dad's first moves might include opening a TFSA, perhaps using some of that $10,000 savings. In 2025, he can contribute up to $7,000 a year, which would leave $3,000 for him to keep in a high-interest savings account for any emergencies. After opening the TFSA, consider setting up automatic investments of $500-$1,000 each month. With compound interest, that amount could grow significantly between now and retirement. Make sure that he starts saving ASAP. If he contributes $7,000 a year into his TFSA from now until age 67, with an average 6% annual return, he could build a nest egg that tops over $92,000. Consider doubling those contributions — $7,000 in the TSFA and $7,000 in an RRSP — and your father could save more than $184,000 in just 10 years. Add to this his CPP benefit and, potentially Old Age Security payments, and he should be able to cover his needs. While keeping your dad in his home is the ideal scenario, his home equity shouldn't be ignored. If needed, he could sell his house and downsize to create a larger pool of cash that could be invested, stashed away for emergencies or used for travel or other enjoyable pursuits. What To Read Next Here are 5 expenses that Canadians (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? I'm almost 50 and don't have enough retirement savings. What should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 solid ways you can catch up Do you need a 6-figure income to retire early? No — here are 5 money-growing moves for the under-$100K set Are you rich enough to join the top 1%? Here's the net worth you need to rank among Canada's wealthiest — plus a few strategies to build that first-class portfolio 1. Investor's Group Wealth Management: Annual IG Wealth Management Retirement Study: Rising Costs and Competing Priorities Challenge Canadians' Retirement Readiness (Jan 21, 2025) 2. BMO: BMO Retirement Survey: Over Three Quarters of Canadians Worry They Will Not Have Enough Retirement Savings Amid Inflation (Feb 12, 2025) 3. Statistics Canada: Assets and debts held by economic family type, by age group, Canada, provinces and selected census metropolitan areas, Survey of Financial Security (Oct 29, 2024) 4. Ipsos: 43% of Canadians Need Debt Help: Exploring the Gaps in Financial Literacy During Debt Literacy Month (Mar 3, 2025) This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Error al recuperar los datos Inicia sesión para acceder a tu cartera de valores Error al recuperar los datos Error al recuperar los datos Error al recuperar los datos Error al recuperar los datos
New York Post
18 hours ago
- New York Post
Canadian government ends Air Canada strike, imposes binding arbitration
The Canadian government brought the Air Canada strike to a screeching halt Saturday by imposing binding arbitration on the airline and its flight attendants. The move came less than 12 hours after Air Canada's 10,000 flight attendants walked off the job, at 1 a.m. Saturday, after months of stalled negotiations over a new contract. Canada's labor policy minister, Patty Hajdu, said she met with both sides Friday night and determined there was a low likelihood of a near-term deal. 'They are so far apart on a number of issues that they are going to need some help,' she told the Wall Street Journal. 3 The Canadian government imposed binding arbitration Saturday to bring a strike by the country's largest airline carrier to a screeching halt. AFP via Getty Images 'This is not a decision that I've taken lightly, but the potential for immediate negative impact on Canadians and our economy is simply too great,' she said. The most contentious issue in the contract talks has been the Canadian Union of Public Employees' demand for compensation for time spent on the ground between flights and when helping passengers board. Flight crews are currently only compensated when their airplane is moving. 3 Striking Air Canada workers walk the picket line at Pearson International Airport in Toronto. AFP via Getty Images Montreal-based Air Canada formally requested this week the government impose binding arbitration, arguing talks were at an impasse. 3 Air Canada said it was premature to discuss when flights would resume as the arbitration order was just unveiled. AP The union in a statement said the government gave Air Canada what it wanted. The union, known as CUPE, made 'reasonable proposals for a fair cost-of-living wage increase,' it said. 'Air Canada responded by sandbagging the talks.' Air Canada said it was premature to discuss when flights would resume as the arbitration order was just unveiled. Air Canada transports about 130,000 passengers daily, operates nearly 200 flights daily to the U.S., and flies to nearly 60 countries.
Business Wire
20 hours ago
- Business Wire
'This government is anti-union and anti-worker': CUPE NS Denounces Use of Bill 107
HALIFAX, Nova Scotia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CUPE Nova Scotia strongly condemns the federal government's decision to interfere in workers' right to collective bargaining and job action by invoking Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code. 'Clearly, this government is anti-union and anti-worker,' said Alan Linkletter, CUPE Nova Scotia President. 'Forcing workers back on the job instead of supporting free and fair collective negotiations directly contradictions workers' rights that are guaranteed under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.' Air Canada has asked the government to crush striking workers' Charter rights, and Federal Labour minister Patty Hajdu is ready to deliver. Hajdu announced that the federal government will be invoking Section 107 at a press conference this afternoon, citing the financial welfare of Canadians and the economy at large as a deciding factor for this decision. 'She says this move is for the financial security of Canadians—are these workers not Canadians? Does their welfare not matter? How can you be financially secure when you don't even get paid for all of the hours you work?' Contrary to the Minister's remarks, this will not ensure labour peace in Canada. This will only push this fight onto the next group of workers in negotiations, while Air Canda's flight attendants continue to work for a billion-dollar company for free. Flight attendants are only paid when the plane is moving, and work as many as 35 unpaid hours a month performing vital duties that ensure the safe and smooth operation of each flight. Now, instead of paying flight attendants for all the hours they work, Air Canada has clearly sought help from the federal government to continue exploiting their employees. 'Minister Hajdu's comments indicate a clear lack of respect for workers' rights,' said Sherry Hillier, President of CUPE Newfoundland and Labrador and National General Vice President for Atlantic Canada. 'By using Section 107 to force workers back on the job yet again, they're setting a pattern. And that pattern is that Liberals don't care about Canadians.' Recent polling data indicates that 9 out of 10 Canadians support Air Canada flight attendants' fight for fair pay. 88% per cent of Canadians believe flight attendants should be paid for all work-related duties including boarding, delays, and safety checks. 76% support raising their pay to reflect the important safety role they play. 59% believe the federal government should respect flight attendants' right to take job action–even if it causes travel disruptions. CUPE represents over 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants across the country, and workers have been demonstrating at Halifax Stanfield International Airport since 6AM. 'Messages of support have been pouring in for these workers from across the country,' continued Linkletter. 'Canadians stand with us. Our elected representatives should, too.'
