Statement: CUPW Invites Canada Post to Fair, Final and Binding Arbitration

CUPW strongly believes that the Canada Post requested government-imposed vote on Canada Post’s last global offers will not bring labour relations peace to these parties for the foreseeable future, notwithstanding the outcome of a forced vote. Once again, this would be another unwarranted government intervention in the free collective bargaining process.

In order to bring certainty to customers and Canadian Businesses and in light of the very particular circumstances surrounding the last improper government intervention in December 2024, we are inviting Canada Post to fair, final and binding arbitration to resolve all outstanding issues at the bargaining table for both bargaining units. At this time and in these circumstances, only arbitration can end the ongoing labour dispute fairly and expeditiously.

A forced vote will not necessarily terminate the labour dispute, which should be the objective of Canada Post, which has expressed concerns about the severe impact of the labour dispute on it’s business. We believe the Minister has the same objective in bringing labour peace to all Canadians.

In every other bargaining relationship where the government has interfered with the right to strike as it did in 2024 with Postal Workers, the government has imposed fair and binding arbitration to resolve bargaining differences as required by the Law. During the arbitration process, the employees cannot strike, and the employer cannot lock-out the employees which is not the case in respect of the conduct of a forced vote. Moreover, if the Employer’s last offers are rejected by the employees, the dispute continues arguably dividing the parties further and bringing more harm to Canadians.