Postal workers threaten rotating strikes if deal not reached

OTTAWA — The union representing 50,000 Canada Post employees said Sunday that it would begin rotating strikes if a deal wasn’t reached by the deadline Monday morning.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers said strikes would begin at 12:01 a.m. Monday in Victoria, Edmonton and Windsor and at 1:10 a.m. in Halifax and would last for 24 hours.

CUPW president Mike Palecek says that Canada Post has refused to talk about issues that matter to the union, which include job security, an end to forced overtime, better health and safety measures and gender equality.

The union says mail will still be delivered in those cities, but will be delayed.

Canada Post says that it has an offer on the table that includes wage increases, job security, improved benefits and no concessions.

Spokesperson Jon Hamilton says mail will be delivered in all other locations across the country in the event of a strike.

He says they remain committed to negotiating a deal.