The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) announced Thursday evening that it will move from its nationwide strike to rotating local strikes starting Saturday at 6 a.m., local time.
The union says the shift will allow mail and parcels to begin moving again while keeping pressure on the corporation and the federal government amid ongoing negotiations.
“We did not take the decision to move to a nation-wide strike lightly,” the unionsaid. “Postal workers would much rather have new collective agreements and be delivering mail instead of taking strike action.”
Talks Continue with Federal Government
CUPW met Wednesday with Joël Lightbound, the federal minister responsible for Canada Post, to discuss concerns over the government’s proposed overhaul of postal operations. The union said another meeting with Lightbound’s office is scheduled for next week.
Among the proposed changes are:
The gradual end of door-to-door mail delivery for most Canadian households within a decade
Reduced delivery frequency
Potential closures of local post offices
CUPW has described these measures as “an attack on public service”, saying the government is overstepping in the bargaining process.
Canada Post Responds
Canada Post has welcomed the switch to rotating strikes, saying it will help clear backlogs and deliver essential mail while discussions continue. The corporation has faced mounting financial challenges and said operational reform is necessary for long-term survival.
CUPW, however, says the employer has consistently “chipped away at postal services and good jobs,” and vowed to continue pressing for fair contracts and stable employment conditions.
The union first declared a nationwide strike on September 25, hours after the government announced its new postal framework.
