Canada Post Strike Talks Suspended Due to Parties Remaining Too Far Apart

The mediation between Canada Post and its postal workers has been temporarily suspended by the special federal mediator, as the parties ‘remain too far apart,’ the federal labour minister said on Wednesday. The nation-wide mail strike has reached its 13th day.

A Pause in Negotiations

Minister Steven MacKinnon stated that the pause in mediation will hopefully permit the parties to reassess their positions and return to the bargaining table with renewed resolve. This decision comes after several intensive days of negotiation, where the special federal mediator’s assessment was that the parties remain too far apart on critical issues for mediation to be successful at this time.

The Labour Minister’s Statement

MacKinnon said in a post on X.com, "After several intensive days of negotiation, (the special federal mediator’s) assessment is that parties remain too far apart on critical issues for mediation to be successful at this time." He added that he has requested both parties to meet at his office on Wednesday to inform them that they alone are responsible for the consequences of the conflict. This indicates that the federal government will not intervene in the labour dispute, stopping short of introducing back-to-work legislation.

No Binding Arbitration

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, MacKinnon said that sending the matter to binding arbitration ‘is not in the cards.’ Although he invoked this authority to resolve a ports dispute and rail dispute in recent months, every dispute is different. The issues are fundamental and around a transformed business model for the corporation.

The Strike’s Impact

Approximately 55,000 postal workers hit the picket lines after years-long failed negotiations between Canada Post Corp. and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW). The strike, which started on November 15th, has so far affected nearly 10 million parcels since it began, Canada Post said. This number is expected to rise with Black Friday sales and the busy holiday season now underway.

Canada Post’s Statement

On November 27th, Canada Post said its talks with CUPW ‘have ground to a halt with no movement.’ It stated that the union had just informed the Crown corporation through the special mediator that it will not be responding at all, after not responding over the past several days. However, CUPW rejected this claim, calling the update ‘full of half-truths and outright deception.’

CUPW’s Response

CUPW said in a statement that they did inform the special mediator they were unwilling to talk about one particular employer demand, which they said had already been discussed at least a dozen times in bargaining. Canada Post is fully aware of how far CUPW is willing to go – they just don’t like the answer.

Disputes on Wages

Management has proposed an 11.5 per cent wage increase over four years, while the union is asking for 24 per cent cumulative over the same time period. Additional reporting by The Canadian Press highlights that disputes on wages appear far apart for both parties.

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