Thousands of postal workers in Canada strike over wages

In Canada, a significant number of postal workers have gone on strike, demanding better wages and job security. This nationwide job action began on Friday and has now entered its fifth day. Over 50,000 postal workers are participating in this strike, which is causing major disruptions in mail delivery, especially with the busy holiday season approaching. The union that represents these workers, known as the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), has stated that negotiations with Canada Post, the primary postal service provider in the country, are still 'far apart' and ongoing. The workers are seeking a wage increase and want the option to work weekends with overtime pay, rather than having Canada Post rely on outside contractors for additional work. Canada Post has been facing significant financial challenges in recent years and has warned that this labor disruption will impact millions of Canadians and businesses that depend on postal services. The strike has halted mail and parcel services across the country, affecting the delivery of essential items such as bank cards, new passports, and online shopping orders. This is particularly concerning as many Canadians are preparing for the holiday season and need these deliveries. In response to the ongoing strike, the Canadian government has appointed a special mediator to assist both parties in reaching an agreement. The CUPW and Canada Post entered a new round of mediated negotiations on Monday, but both sides have indicated that they are still far from a resolution. The union is requesting a 24% pay increase over the next four years, which is significantly higher than the 11. 5% increase proposed by Canada Post. Additionally, they are negotiating other important issues such as benefits, sick leave, job conditions, and job security. The union has stated, 'Our demands are reasonable: fair wages, safe working conditions, the right to retire with dignity, and the expansion of services at the public post office. ' Canada Post has cautioned that even if an agreement is reached, service disruptions will continue, stating that 'a national strike of any length will impact service to Canadians well after the strike activity ends. ' They have already noticed a decline in business, with some customers switching to private competitors or stopping their use of Canada Post services altogether during the strike. The last time Canadian postal workers went on strike was in October 2018, when rotating strikes lasted for over a month before the federal government intervened and mandated that employees return to work through legislation. That previous strike cost Canada Post approximately C$135 million. The current strike comes at a time when Canada Post is grappling with substantial financial losses, totaling C$3 billion since 2016, primarily due to a decrease in the volume of letters being sent. Competitors like Amazon, FedEx, and UPS have also taken a significant portion of Canada Post's business. In its 2023 annual report, Canada Post described its financial situation as 'unsustainable' and projected that it would run out of cash unless it borrows C$1 billion and refinances its existing debt. The report emphasized that 'Canada Post is at a critical juncture in its history,' highlighting the mounting financial pressures that pose a significant threat to the publicly-owned mail operator.