Muhammad Irfan 
The True Post (Web News)Canada Post has presented new contract offers to the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), which include wage increases and protection of benefits, while stressing the need to modernize operations and address rising financial pressures.
According to the company, the proposals maintain the provisions of the “best and final” offer made on May 28, while adding further commitments.
Key highlights include a 13.59% total wage increase over four years, access to a defined-benefit pension plan, health and post-retirement benefits, up to seven weeks of vacation, pre-retirement leave, and a cost-of-living allowance to protect against unexpected inflation.
The labour dispute has been ongoing for months, with 55,000 postal workers represented by CUPW negotiating with the Crown corporation over wages, part-time work, and delivery standards.
On Friday, Canada Post said the package aligns with the corporation’s financial capacity to ensure good jobs and benefits for employees in the long run. The company emphasized that modernization is crucial for its survival, citing declining mail volumes, increased parcel competition, and financial losses caused by earlier strikes.
A Canada Post spokesperson added that due to worsening financial conditions, a signing bonus is no longer possible.
Union’s Position
The most contentious aspect is the proposed new workforce adjustment process for the Urban Operations unit, which would replace the current principle of “job security for life.”
Under the proposal, Canada Post would provide six months’ notice before any reductions, consult CUPW, and offer voluntary departure incentives of up to 78 weeks of base pay. Seniority-based bidding and bumping would remain intact, with layoffs considered only as a last resort if other measures prove insufficient.
CUPW has yet to formally respond to the new offer. The union has previously criticized Canada Post’s attempts to change its delivery model, warning that such moves could undermine service quality and job security.
