Canada Post, union told to keep talking as strike threat looms

OTTAWA — Canada’s labour minister called on Canada Post and its biggest union Tuesday to continue bargaining with the help of a third party after postal workers across the country voted in favour of strike action that could see them off the job before month’s end.

Members of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers voted overwhelmingly in favour of job action in several weeks of polling that wrapped up Sunday.

CUPW said Tuesday that 93.8 per cent of urban letter and parcel carriers and 95.9 per cent of rural and suburban members provisionally signalled their willingness to walk off the job.

The two sides have been negotiating separate contracts for urban and rural employees since late last year without success.

If no agreements are reached by Sept. 26, there could be a strike or lockout.

“The minister has appointed federal mediators to assist the parties in their negotiations and encourages both parties to continue their discussions in an effort to reach an agreement and renew their collective agreements,” Labour Minister Patty Hajdu’s press secretary Veronique Simard said in an emailed statement.

“Our government believes in a fair and balanced approach to labour relations.”

Canada Post said it tabled offers on Friday that reflected recent growth in the agency’s parcel business “and the important role employees have played in this success.”

It said the offers contained wage increases and benefit improvements, but the union described the proposals as “unacceptable.”

“Over the last decade, the working conditions of all our members (have) deteriorated, leaving many overburdened with little time for their home life,” CUPW national president Mike Palecek said in a statement.

“Our members have spoken — this is the time to address serious workplace problems.”