Canada Post warns no end in sight for strike after receiving latest union proposals

As the Canada Post strike involving more than 55,000 workers neared the end of its 25th day, the postal service warned that a speedy resolution is unlikely.

In a statement Monday, Canada Post said the latest proposals from the union widen the gap between the two parties.

“Canada Post has received the latest offers from the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) and is extremely disappointed that their intent appears to be to widen the gap in negotiations, rather than close it,” the statement reads.

“In the last few weeks, Canada Post has made several important moves to close the gap and reach negotiated agreements, but the union has reverted to their previous positions or increased their demands.”

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers provided details on those demands Monday. They include wage increases, a cost of living allowance, and more job protections.

Canada Post said the demands were a step backwards.

“While postal services around the world are working constructively to evolve their delivery approach to respond to changing customer needs CUPW’s demands reinforce the status quo and add significant and unsustainable long-term fixed costs,” Canada Post added.

“One example is continuing to demand the contracting in of all services, making our facility cleaning staff and other contracted support services permanent Canada Post employees.”

The union said in a bulletin to members that it’s calling on Canada Post to seriously consider its proposals, adding that the latest proposal includes demands voted on by members across the country.

The strike began Nov. 14, and federal mediation was put on hold nearly two weeks ago due to the sides being too far apart.

Calls for government intervention have been mounting from the business community, but so far the government has said it’s not stepping in.

The federal government has intervened in other high-profile labour disputes recently by advising the labour board to order binding arbitration.