Canada Post strike threat returns as contracts set to expire

[TrueBlueTerrier]

https://winnipegsun.com/news/canada-pos ... -to-expire

Canada Post could face another strike later this month as contract talks resume and key deadlines approach.

The current collective agreements covering 55,000 postal workers expire on May 22. Negotiations between Canada Post and the union restarted this week after breaking off in March without a deal.

A separate report on the future of the postal service is also due on May 15. It comes from an Industrial Inquiry Commission that held hearings in January. The commission was tasked with reviewing Canada Post’s operations and financial outlook.

Canada Post has warned its financial position is worsening. In February, it laid off about 50 management staff, citing rising losses. That followed earlier cuts and a $1 billion loan from the federal government announced in January.

If no agreement is reached by the expiry date, postal workers could strike or be locked out. The union previously went on strike in December, which lasted a month. The federal government ordered workers back to the job a week before Christmas. That strike disrupted passport delivery and hurt small businesses during the holiday season.

Canada Post has told customers it is preparing for the possibility of more disruption. Some banks have already issued notices warning of delays in services that rely on regular mail.

Letter mail volumes have been declining for years. In 2006, Canada Post handled 5.5 billion letters. That number has dropped every year since. At the same time, the workforce has not shrunk at the same rate.

Parcel deliveries increased during the pandemic but are now facing more competition. Advertising mail remains steady but makes up a smaller part of the business.

In early 2025, Canada Post said its financial losses were growing and unsustainable. It described the situation as critical.

If no agreement is reached this month, Canadians could see another postal strike begin before summer.