Postal strike countdown

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We are now in a sort of “wait and see” period in the Canada Post contract negotiations. As of this coming Saturday, both sides will be in a position to force a work stoppage. But for mail service to come to a halt, either Canada Post, or the union has to submit in writing to the other side and to the Ministry of Labour their intentions 72 hours before taking action.

Here’s an example, if either side gives notice Thursday night at 7:00, 72 hours from that point, Sunday night at 7 mail service would be stopped. We spoke with both sides today and both said they are hoping to reach an agreement before it comes to that.

Canada Post submitted its latest offer to the union last Saturday and is awaiting a response.
“From our side, we are in the processes of putting together our counter offer, or proposal to what the company presented last week. We’re hoping the corporation holds off on anything before we’ve had a discussion on the union’s counter proposal.” Terry Langley, CUPW.

A full time mail carrier makes $55,000 a year. Canada Post offered wage increases of 1% in three of the next four years but is asking for the union to accept pension plan changes for new hires. In 2006 Canada Post delivered 5 billion letters, last year that number was down to 3.4 billion. The parcel delivery business however, is booming and makes Canada Post $1.5 billion a year.

The union has told us they don’t plan on issuing a 72 hour strike notice and Canada Post has said that they are ready and willing to sit down and negotiate. Both sides agree the longer this goes, the more customers will take their business elsewhere.