The labor union representing 55,000 employees of Canada Post has declared the conclusion of the nationwide strike and the initiation of rotating strikes beginning this weekend. The announcement was made via the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) website late on Thursday.
In the official notice, CUPW President Jan Simpson stated that the transition from a nationwide strike to rotating strikes would commence at 6 AM local time on Saturday, October 11. Simpson emphasized that this shift aims to resume mail and parcel services while advocating for favorable collective agreements and the preservation of a robust public postal system.
The exact timeline for the resumption of mail delivery for Canadians remains uncertain following the union’s communication. CBC News has sought clarification from CUPW, while Canada Post is yet to respond to requests for comments.
The ongoing strike marks the union’s second nationwide labor action within a year, leading to a near standstill in mail and package deliveries. The recent strike was triggered by the government’s announcement last month regarding the restructuring of Canada Post, facing projected losses of $1.5 billion by 2025 and currently reliant on a $1 billion federal loan.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the union criticized the government for enabling Canada Post to undermine the bargaining process by disclosing restructuring plans amidst the contract negotiations. Simpson and other union representatives held discussions with Government Transformation Minister Joël Lightbound on Wednesday and have scheduled further meetings next week.
Many of the reforms proposed by Lightbound align with longstanding requests from Canada Post to ensure its financial sustainability. These changes include ceasing door-to-door delivery (with specific accessibility exceptions) and granting the corporation more autonomy in determining its delivery methods.
The union expressed concerns on its website, asserting that the government’s strategy could lead to substantial job cuts and detrimentally impact postal services. The union remains committed to advocating for robust public services, employment opportunities, and a sustainable postal service accessible to all Canadians.
WATCH: What steps are necessary to revive Canada Post’s operations? The video explores the challenges faced by Canada Post and potential solutions to its financial crisis, addressing the implications of discontinuing door-to-door mail delivery and the future outlook for the postal service.
[Source](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/canada-post-cupw-moves-rotating-strike-9.6934289)
