The Canada Post strike could end next week.
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Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon says negotiations are not working. It will be up to the Canada Industrial Relations Board to decide whether to accept it. If so, it will force workers back to work.
Postal workers began their strike four weeks ago, disrupting mail and package delivery across the country. If employees are forced to return to work, they will continue to work under the current collective bargaining agreement until May 22, 2025.
The two sides still have a chance to reach an agreement, but it should happen soon. Screenshots_2024-12-13-18-42-15.png
The union denounced the decision, calling it an "attack" on its bargaining rights. Canada Post said it looked forward to "welcoming its employees back to work."
"A Time Out"
In addition, MacKinnon ordered an investigation into why negotiations broke down. That investigation will result in recommendations on how the company and its union can negotiate more productively in the future. "We are looking for a break," MacKinnon said.
He said indigenous people and residents of remote communities have already suffered the consequences of the strike. Holiday revenue streams for small businesses and charities are also being affected.
"My employers are Canadians and Canadians are suffering unfairly in this conflict."
CUPW said it came to the bargaining table this week with a demand for a modest wage increase — 19 per cent in four years, down from its previous demand of 24 per cent — and demands for sick leave, disability benefits and "enhanced rights" for temporary workers.
Canada Post said the union's demands were too high, especially after six years of financial losses. "In total, all the demands contained in the CUPW's latest offers cost more than $3 billion over four years," reads Canada Post's latest bargaining update, published Wednesday.
Union condemns 'attack' on negotiations
The union denounced MacKinnon's decision "in the strongest terms," calling it an "attack" on its right to bargain and strike.
"This order is part of a very troubling trend in which the government is using its arbitrary powers to let employers drag their feet and refuse to negotiate in good faith with their workers and unions," it said in a statement sent to CTVNews.ca.
In August, the government forced rail workers back to work after a contract dispute led to the shutdown of trains on Canada's two major railways.
In November, MacKinnon attacked dock workers in Vancouver and Montreal before the Industrial Relations Board. "Once we receive the order, we will review it and consider all available options moving forward," the union wrote.
Canada Post ready to participate "fully"
Canada Post seemed eager to get back to work, adding that it was reviewing the terms of MacKinnon's order to "support this process as expeditiously as possible."
"As this unfolds, we look forward to welcoming our employees back to work and serving Canadians and customers," it said in a statement released to the media on Friday.
The company said it was committed to reaching an agreement with the unions that addresses "changing needs" while providing "good jobs" for workers.Screenshots_2024-12-13-18-42-53.png
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