The labor union representing 55,000 postal workers in Canada is urging Canada Post to resume negotiations for a fair and agreeable contract. The Canada Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) emphasized the need for a resolution to the ongoing labor negotiations, expressing frustration with Canada Post’s delay tactics and failure to engage constructively.
Jan Simpson, the national president of CUPW, called on Canada Post to either accept the union’s comprehensive offers or return to the bargaining table for meaningful discussions. Simpson also urged the federal government to appoint representatives at Canada Post who are willing to engage in productive negotiations with the union.
Negotiations for a new collective agreement have been ongoing for over a year and a half, with little progress made. Simpson warned that if Canada Post continues to stall, postal workers may resort to stronger actions to push the negotiations forward, although specific actions were not disclosed.
In response to the impasse, CUPW announced plans to transition from an overtime ban to a flyer ban, starting on Monday. This means that postal workers will no longer deliver commercial flyers along with regular mail due to concerns over fair compensation and the physical strain of delivering heavy and oversized flyers.
Canada Post expressed disappointment at the union’s decision to halt flyer deliveries, citing potential negative impacts on businesses that rely on mail for reaching customers with information and promotions.
Regarding wage demands, CUPW proposed a significant increase in wages, additional weekend delivery services, and the inclusion of part-time workers in the postal service. The union’s proposal included substantial annual wage hikes, totaling a 19% increase over four years, compared to Canada Post’s previous offer of around 13% over the same period, which was rejected by CUPW workers in August.
Canada Post highlighted a significant gap between the two parties’ proposals and urged CUPW to present viable solutions that align with the current economic climate to facilitate a resolution.
The financial strain on Canada Post due to the uncertainty surrounding collective bargaining was emphasized, with the postal service reporting a substantial loss in the second quarter of 2025. An independent report earlier in the year had also underscored the need for significant reforms to ensure the sustainability of Canada Post amidst its financial challenges.