Postal workers set to strike

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers has filed notice with Canada Post that members intend to begin strike activities at 11:59 p.m. on June 2.

In the event of a strike, Canada Post will not operate, meaning mail and parcels will not be delivered. However, CUPW stated on its website that its issue is with their employer Canada Post, not retirees or those on low incomes, and offered to deliver pension and social assistance cheques early on in their negotiations with Canada Post. Volunteers from the union will deliver federal Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security and Child Benefits cheques, as well as provincial social assistance cheques in Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta and the North West Territories.

With a strike looming, Barrhead Leader subscribers will be able to pick up their papers at the office at 5015 51st St. The strike will not affect mail delivery in Onoway, Glenevis, Sangudo and Mayerthorpe.

Representatives from CUPW met with representatives from Canada Post on Monday to submit a final offer to reach an agreement without a strike or lockout. The offer contained proposals designed to resolve the problems at the workplace and address the issues associated with the introduction of a $2-billion Modern Post program, but CPC stated the offer is out of touch with the challenges facing the company.

“The union is prepared to shut down Canada’s postal system even though the company has proposed a deal that gives employees better pay and benefits than they currently enjoy,” CPC stated in a press release.

“The latest counter offer from the union does nothing to address the significant challenges facing the company.”

CUPW, prior to its meeting on Monday, stated there were several important amendments in its latest offer and clarifications to its positions, and negotiators were confident they would be accepted as the basis of a settlement.

A copy of the offer is posted on the Union’s website at www.cupw.ca.

Despite this development, talks between the company and union are continuing in an effort to reach a negotiated settlement to this round of labour negotiations, CPC stated, and there are also plans to ensure Canada Post returns to normal operations as quickly as possible following any work disruption.

Canada Post’s offer provides:

• wage increases leading to a top rate of $26 per hour for both new and existing employees;

• A defined benefit pension plan for both new and existing employees despite a $3.2-billion solvency deficit;

• Up to seven weeks vacation;

• Job security for both new and existing employees.

To address these challenges, Canada Post has proposed a competitive and comprehensive pay and benefits package for employees hired in the future.

The offer put forward for new employees will still make Canada Post an attractive place to work, the company stated.

CUPW on its website stated it, too, is still willing to negotiate.

Customers of Canada Post can find updated information about the company’s labour situation online at www.infopost.ca/customer.

The French version of the website can be found at www.infoposte.ca/client.