Unionized Workers Halt Flyer Deliveries Amid Canada Post Dispute

Unionized mail workers have ceased processing and delivering unaddressed flyers as part of an escalating labour dispute with Canada Post. The action, effective from 12:01 a.m. on September 15, 2023, follows a directive issued by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) on September 12. This decision comes after nearly four weeks of stalled negotiations, with the union expressing frustration over Canada Post’s lack of meaningful engagement.

In a statement, Jan Simpson, national president of CUPW, emphasized the urgency of the situation. “It’s been almost four weeks since we provided Canada Post with our latest global offers, and we’ve yet to hear anything meaningful in response,” she said. Simpson indicated that with Canada Post “abandoning bargaining once again,” the union had no choice but to escalate their actions. She urged Canada Post to return to the bargaining table with a more realistic approach.

Despite the halt in flyer deliveries, Canada Post confirmed that the ban does not affect addressed mail, including personalized items, postal code-targeted mail, transactional mail, or parcels. The Crown corporation announced that it learned of the union’s decision through a news conference and indicated it would immediately stop accepting neighbourhood mail items. This includes a prohibition on drop-offs at plants, depots, post offices, or other Canada Post facilities until further notice.

Union members are also mobilizing beyond delivery disruptions. As the House of Commons reconvened, CUPW organized rallies outside the offices of Members of Parliament across the country. The union continues to advocate for enhanced wage offers from Canada Post, calling for a significant increase in pay. Their combined demands for urban and rural workers include a nine percent wage increase in the first year, followed by four percent in the second year, and three percent in each of the following two years.

In addition, the union seeks an update to the cost of living allowance provision, requesting it to extend coverage to protect workers from unforeseen inflation from February 1, 2025 to January 31, 2028. Canada Post’s latest offer, presented on May 28, proposed a 13 percent wage increase over four years, which includes six percent in the first year, three percent in the second year, and two percent in the final two years.

The labour dispute reflects broader tensions in the postal service sector, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by workers seeking fair compensation and protections in a changing economic landscape. With negotiations at a standstill, the outcome remains uncertain, leaving both union members and Canada Post at a critical juncture.