As reports point to looming sellout agreement between Canada Post and CUPW, what way forward for postal workers?
Prime Minister Mark Carney has stated that the Liberal government views the dismantling of Canada Post in its current form as a trial run for broader attacks planned against the working class.
Daniel Berkley, a postal worker and leading member of the Postal Workers Rank-and-File Committee, voiced concern over the negotiations. He can be reached via email at [email protected] or through the contact form provided at the end of the article.
Recent media reports suggest that the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) is close to finalizing an agreement with Canada Post that could significantly undermine jobs and working conditions.
Union statements and government stance
A new bargaining round began on Monday, November 3. In an official statement, CUPW expressed gratitude for the help provided by a government-appointed mediator and affirmed its intention to “overcome the disagreements between the parties” and “secure ratifiable collective agreements at the bargaining table.”
“Overcome the disagreements between the parties” and “secure ratifiable collective agreements at the bargaining table.”
In another release, the union respectfully urged the pro-business Liberal government, which has supported plans to cut nearly two-thirds of Canada Post’s 55,000 employees, to “ensure that any decisions… are made… with Union input.”
“Ensure that any decisions… are made… with Union input.”
Author’s summary
The government’s involvement in postal contract negotiations reveals tensions between labor interests and corporate-driven austerity plans targeting Canada Post workers.