The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has issued a nationwide overtime ban, effective as of Friday, May 23rd at 12 a.m., local time.
This means that Canada Post workers are being called on to refuse to work any more than eight hours in a day, and to refuse work that amounts to more than 40 hours in a week.
Prior to the overtime ban, CUPW offered a two-week truce between the company and union as negotiations continue, without the threat of a strike or a lockout, but Canada Post refused.
“[Canada Post’s] actions have created widespread public uncertainty which has already pushed some customers to our competitors,” said the union in a media release.
“At this time, the Union has decided to proceed with an overtime ban to minimize disruptions to the public, and lost days to members.”
CUPW added that additional actions, such as a full strike, may take place in the future if Canada Post changes working conditions, suspends benefits or begins layoffs.
“With the urban collective agreement no longer in effect, we have the right not to take overtime, even if your supervisor says it’s forced overtime – because forced overtime was enabled by the collective agreement,” said the union.
CUPW added that negotiations will continue.
Canada Post’s position
Canada Post says that as a result of this legal strike action to stop working overtime, the organization will continue operating, but customers may experience delays.
“It’s unclear how CUPW’s strike action may evolve,” wrote Canada Post in a media release.
“At this time, there are no rotating strikes or national work stoppage.”
As far as negotiations go, Canada Post’s latest offer to CUPW members “fell short” of the union’s expectations, which is what prompted this overtime ban.
Canada Post says that since then, their team is ready to get back to the bargaining table to continue negotiations.
Their position is steadfast in that Canada Post says their financial realities limit what they can offer.
“This comes at a critical moment for the postal system,” said Canada Post.
“Since 2018, the Corporation has lost more than $3 billion before tax, and it will post another significant loss for 2024. In early 2025, the Government of Canada announced repayable funding of up to $1.034 billion for Canada Post to prevent insolvency.”
If an agreement cannot be met, a full strike may occur, which would have an impact on all of Canada.
