Mail is expected to begin flowing again, but slowly.
In the latest update, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) says it will transition from a nationwide strike to rotating strikes beginning at 6 a.m. local time on Saturday, October 11th.
The move marks a shift in strategy as postal workers continue to push for new collective agreements while allowing some mail and parcel delivery to resume.
According to CUPW, locals will be informed closer to their scheduled action times.
“Postal workers would much rather have new collective agreements and be delivering mail instead of taking strike action,” said Union president Jan Simpson.
Simpson added that the union felt compelled to respond to recent government direction and company proposals that it believes could lead to major job losses and reduced services.
CUPW has been critical of the federal government’s September 25th announcement, which allows Canada Post to expand community mailboxes and introduce more flexible delivery standards. Simpson argues those changes could undermine good jobs and the future of the public postal service.
The union thanked its members, the public, and opposition parties like the NDP and Bloc Québécois for their support and said a follow-up meeting with Minister Joël Lightbound’s office is planned for next week.
On the employer side, Canada Post says it remains focused on reaching “fair and sustainable” agreements that recognize employees’ contributions while addressing financial challenges.
In an update issued last week, the Crown corporation outlined wage increases of 13.59% over four years, along with continued pensions, health and retirement benefits, and vacation of up to seven weeks.
The company says a signing bonus initially proposed earlier this year is now off the table due to worsening financial conditions brought on by ongoing strikes and increased competition.
Canada Post also wants to make operational changes which includes adding part-time roles with benefits, adjusting delivery schedules, and reducing the number of corporate post offices in urban areas that they say is to better reflect “the modern needs of Canadians.”
One of the more contentious points involves phasing out lifetime job security provisions for some urban workers. The company says it will offer voluntary departure incentives and other measures before considering layoffs.
While both sides remain far apart on key issues, they’ve signalled a willingness to keep talking. For now, Canadians can expect some mail service to resume, though delays are likely as rotating strikes roll out across the country.
