Canada Post asks jobs minister to force union to vote on ‘final offers’

OTTAWA — Canada Post says it has asked Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu to force a union membership vote on the proposals the Crown corporation put forward earlier this week.

Canada Post presented its “final offers” to the union representing 55,000 workers on Wednesday, with concessions including an end to compulsory overtime and a signing bonus of up to $1,000.

But it stuck to a proposal for a 14 per cent cumulative wage hike over four years and part-time staff on weekend shifts – a major sticking point in the talks.

Canada Post said in a statement Friday that the parties are at an impasse and it believes the best hope of reaching a new collective agreement is a vote administered by the Canada Industrial Relations Board.

“Despite months of conciliation and mediation, the parties remain unable to reach new agreements at the table,” it said.

The Crown corporation said this week it logged nearly $1.3 billion in operating losses last year, raising further questions about its business model as letter volumes plunge and fears of a second strike in six months persist.

Hajdu said in a statement that she and Secretary of State John Zerucelli met with Canada Post and union officials on Friday.

“A strong postal service is vital to a united Canadian economy and to the many Canadians and businesses that depend on it,” she said.

“I urged both parties to continue working together to find an agreement that works for both parties and maintains a strong and lasting postal industry.”

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers said it shared its thoughts and concerns about negotiations and Canada Post’s recent offers during the meeting.

“We were assured that the minister would continue to play an intermediary role in the bargaining process but will not intervene at this time,” it said in an update.

Union officials say rallies are planned across the country on Saturday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 30, 2025.

The Canadian Press