TORONTO, Dec 16: Canada Post announced that it will resume operations at the national postal service on Tuesday following a nearly month-long work stoppage.
Workers initiated the strike due to unsuccessful negotiations with Canada’s primary postal operator regarding critical issues such as wages, job security, and the staffing for a proposed weekend delivery expansion.
On Friday, the federal government took steps to resolve the situation after Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon declared that the dispute would be referred to the Canada Industrial Relations Board, an independent entity that specializes in workplace conflict resolution.
However, after two days of hearings, the board concluded late Sunday that negotiations had reached a deadlock and ordered the almost 55,000 striking workers to return to work. Additionally, the current collective agreement will be extended until May 22, 2025.
Canada Post confirmed that it has consented to a 5 percent wage increase, retroactive to the day following the expiration of the previous collective agreement, in agreement with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers.
The labour minister previously resisted calls for federal intervention, stating it was the responsibility of both parties to reach a settlement. However, he acknowledged that Canadians—particularly small businesses, residents of remote areas, and Indigenous peoples—have faced significant hardships due to the strike.
MacKinnon remarked that Canada Post is primarily designed to deliver letters, but the demand for this service has significantly declined alongside a highly competitive parcel delivery market. (AP)
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