Canada Jobs Minister Urges Canada Post, Union Back to Negotiations

Canada's Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu has urged Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) to urgently return to the bargaining table to resolve their ongoing contract dispute, emphasizing that arbitration is not the preferred solution but remains an option if negotiations stall. The minister called for both sides to negotiate terms for binding arbitration while continuing efforts to reach a settlement, responding to Canada Post's recent request to force a union vote on its final offers and the union's counterproposal for arbitration. Canada Post has expressed readiness to negotiate and wants to consider all options, including an employee-directed vote, while CUPW strongly opposes any compelled vote, viewing it as an attack on their collective bargaining rights. Talks remain at an impasse after 18 months, with CUPW members working without a contract since the end of 2023, and a strike vote passed earlier this year though no strike has yet occurred. Both sides have rejected each other's suggestions, with Canada Post warning arbitration could be lengthy and exacerbate financial issues, and the union emphasizing that the dispute is with the employer, not internal divisions. Federal mediators are prepared to assist in negotiations, and the minister has stressed that Canadians expect a resolution from the parties one way or another.