Canada Post Workers Vote on Contract Amid $10M Daily Losses

Canada Post's 53,000 unionized workers have begun voting on the Crown corporation's latest contract offer, which includes a 13% wage increase over four years, new part-time positions, weekend service, and signing bonuses. The vote was forced by federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu and directed by the Canadian Industrial Relations Board after nearly 19 months of negotiations and two strikes. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) strongly urges members to reject the offer, criticizing it for imposing control over workers' schedules and failing to address key demands. Canada Post warns that its operations are losing up to $10 million a day amid the ongoing labor dispute. Experts predict that if the deal is rejected, Canada Post may respond with layoffs or a lockout, though some caution this could alienate customers and provoke stronger union resistance. Both sides face a challenging path forward as the vote continues until August 1, with the union advocating a return to the bargaining table if the offer is turned down.