After weeks of negotiations, Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) have reached a framework deal, potentially avoiding a strike that could have disrupted mail delivery across the country.
The two sides have been in talks since late last year, with the CUPW threatening to strike if a deal could not be reached. The union represents approximately 50,000 postal workers, including letter carriers, mail sorters, and other employees.
The framework deal, which still needs to be ratified by both parties, includes a 2.9% wage increase over the next three years, as well as improvements to job security and working conditions. It also addresses concerns around pay equity for rural and suburban mail carriers, who are predominantly female and have historically been paid less than urban carriers.
In a joint statement, Canada Post and the CUPW said they were pleased to have reached a tentative agreement that “addresses the needs of both parties and provides long-term stability for our employees and customers.”
The potential strike had raised concerns for many Canadians, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic when mail delivery has become even more crucial for essential goods and services. A strike would have also had a significant impact on small businesses that rely on Canada Post for shipping and receiving products.
The framework deal still needs to be approved by the union’s members, who will vote on it in the coming weeks. If ratified, it will be in effect until January 2024.
This is not the first time Canada Post and the CUPW have faced contentious negotiations. In 2018, a rotating strike by postal workers caused significant delays in mail delivery, leading to back-to-work legislation from the federal government.
Both parties have expressed their commitment to working together to ensure the smooth operation of Canada Post and to avoid any future disruptions. The details of the framework deal will be made public once it is ratified by both parties.
In the meantime, Canadians can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that their mail delivery will continue uninterrupted, at least for the time being.
