Canada Post says it has asked the federal jobs minister to force a union membership vote on the proposals the Crown corporation put forward earlier this week.
Canada Post presented its “final offers” to the union representing 55,000 workers on Wednesday, with concessions including an end to compulsory overtime and a signing bonus of up to $1,000.
But it stuck to a proposal for a 14 per cent cumulative wage hike over four years and part-time staff on weekend shifts – a major sticking point in the talks.
Canada Post said in a statement Friday that the parties are at an impasse and it believes the best hope of reaching a new collective agreement is a vote administered by the Canada Industrial Relations Board.
“Despite months of conciliation and mediation, the parties remain unable to reach new agreements at the table,” it said.
The Crown corporation said this week it logged nearly $1.3 billion in operating losses last year, raising further questions about its business model as letter volumes plunge and fears of a second strike in six months persist.
Canada Post has a monopoly on Canadian letter delivery. But financial reports show the Crown corporation lost $748 million in 2023 alone and is expected to run out of money by early 2025. Andrew Chang explains how – even when parcel delivery is at an all-time high – the company can’t catch a break, and what it means for your mail. CORRECTION (Nov. 12, 2024): An earlier version of this description said Canada Post lost $748 million in 2024. That number is the total losses before tax for 2023. According to Canada Post’s most recent financial reports, it has so far lost $490 million in the first two quarters of 2024.
Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu said in a statement that she and Secretary of State John Zerucelli met with Canada Post and Union officials on Friday.
“A strong postal service is vital to a united Canadian economy and to the many Canadians and businesses that depend on it,” she said.
“I urged both parties to continue working together to find an agreement that works for both parties and maintains a strong and lasting postal industry.”
Union officials say rallies are planned across the country on Saturday.