Negotiations Update: Union Responds To Canada Post’s “Framework”

Today, December 3, the National Executive Board met to update the Union’s response to Canada Post’s “comprehensive framework” provided on December 1, 2024.  

Our response focuses on four key issues, which we need to see addressed if we are to achieve negotiated collective agreements. 

Fair Wages 

We have just lived through the worst cost of living crisis in a generation. The cost of basic goods – like housing, groceries, and gasoline – are still far higher than they were a few years ago.

Safe Working Conditions 

Postal workers suffer the second highest rate of disabling injury among workers under federal jurisdiction, behind only the road transportation sector. Growing Neighbourhood Mail volumes and changing work methods like Separate Sort from Delivery (SSD) are only making things worse.  

We need Canada Post to live up to its word and make worker health and safety the priority it says it is. Carriers need time to prepare and deliver Neighbourhood Mail, so they aren’t overburdened, and real fixes to problems like late start times so they aren’t working in the dark.  

Retiring with Dignity 

All workers deserve the right to retire with dignity, and for us that means postal workers – present and future – maintain their defined benefit pension plan. Our pensions should not have been on the bargaining table in the first place. Our pension plan is overfunded, and Canada Post has enjoyed a pension contribution holiday since May 2023, which will most likely continue into 2025. In its recent financial reports, Canada Post has suggested that our defined benefit pension plan is contributing to their financial issues, but the numbers don’t add up. Our pensions aren’t the problem. 

Expansion of Public Postal Services 

The public cherishes its post office and would like Canada Post to offer more services to better serve communities. It’s mind-boggling that Canada Post has yet to implement some of the successful services that other postal operators around the world have been running for years.

That’s why we are demanding Canada Post commit to working with the Union to expand services at the post office including postal banking and electric vehicle charging stations. 

Your Support Matters 

Your Negotiators are ready to return to the bargaining table and get back to the work of negotiating good collective agreements. The Committees thank all members for your actions and support from the picket lines. It is clearly making a difference! 

We are 55,000 strong, and Together We are Unstoppable  

In Solidarity,