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Postal workers reject final offer as Canada Post faces growing financial pressure
OTTAWA — Unionized Canada Post workers have rejected the Crown corporation’s final contract offers, but no strike notice has been issued as negotiations remain at a standstill. The vote, conducted by the Canada Industrial Relations Board, concluded August 1 and saw nearly 70 per cent of urban and rural employees vote against the proposed agreements.
Roughly 55,000 postal workers were asked to vote on the offers, which included wage increases of about 13 per cent over four years, signing bonuses, and structural changes such as the addition of more part-time positions. The proposals were submitted for a forced vote at the request of Canada Post.
While Canada Post has expressed disappointment with the result, it has not announced any immediate changes to operations. Postal services are continuing as normal for now. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers says it is willing to return to the bargaining table.
A national ban on overtime work remains in effect, having been implemented when CUPW entered a strike position in late May. Despite the rejection, more than 30 per cent of members supported the offers, highlighting a potential divide among unionized workers.
Canada Post has reported it is losing $10 million a day and posted $1.3 billion in operating losses in 2024. With no clear resolution in sight, both sides are weighing their next steps in a dispute that may shape the future of the national mail service.
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