Canada Post and the union representing postal workers are locked in a war of words as the nationwide strike enters its 27th day.
On Wednesday, Canada Post argued the union’s new demands would cost it more than $3 billion at a time over four years, calling it burdensome and unsustainable at a time when the Postal Service is in financial trouble. said.
The statement comes after Canada Post said Monday that the union’s latest proposals widen the gap between the two parties and, in some cases, force the union to step up its demands.
The Canadian Postal Workers Union pushed back on criticism of Canada Post in its member newsletter Tuesday evening, offering a list of proposals to bring the two parties closer together.
The latest proposals include lower wage increases than previously demanded, as well as cost-of-living benefits and better job security, the union said.
The strike by more than 55,000 workers is approaching its fourth week with no end in sight.
Federal mediation was suspended two weeks ago, and requests from the business community for government intervention have so far been rejected.
The ongoing Canada Post strike has left thousands of people in limbo waiting to hand over important documents such as passports and some welfare checks. But companies say the latest union proposal is a step backwards, and there is no immediate solution in sight.
The union’s latest wage demands total 19% over four years. Canada Post acknowledges this is a step lower than previously, but said its own recent proposal offers 11.5 per cent over four years.
Canada Post also rejected other demands from the union, including repeating a proposal to create new jobs to support expanded weekend deliveries.
The proposed expansion has become a key sticking point in negotiations, with both sides unable to reach an agreement on weekend staffing.
the current19:56Discontent grows as Canada Post strike drags on
As the Canada Post strike enters its fourth week, small businesses and rural communities are feeling the pinch especially. We hear from entrepreneurs who are losing money and who are running out of patience, and from labor experts who say the strike only proves that couriers matter. .
