CUPW members reject Canada Post’s offers in forced vote

A majority of Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) members have rejected Canada Post’s final offers after almost two weeks of voting.

In total, nearly 70% of voting members in the rural and suburban mail carriers (RSMC) and urban bargaining units rejected their respective offers.

“This result does not lessen the urgent need to modernize and protect this vital national service,” stated the corporation in a press release.

“However, it does mean the uncertainty that has been significantly impacting our business – and the many Canadians and Canadian businesses who depend on Canada Post – will continue. We are evaluating our next steps.”

While the corporation says that it is evaluating its next steps, the union itself is clear on the direction it now wants to go.

“It's time for Canada Post to come back to the bargaining table and start seriously negotiating,” wrote the union.

“With these votes behind us, Canada Post must now recognize that the only way forward is to negotiate ratifiable collective agreements that meet postal workers’ needs. The time for games is over.”

The union added that its negotiators are ready to get back to work and that if the government “truly respects” unions and collective bargaining, it will not order any more back-to-work orders or forced votes.

Friday’s results came as a disappointment to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB).

“This just brings more uncertainty at a time when small businesses are already struggling to plan ahead,” said Dan Kelly, CFIB president.

“We can't keep doing this. If there's another strike, two in three businesses may walk away from Canada Post permanently. We're calling on the government to prevent another strike from happening by extending the current collective bargaining agreement for the foreseeable future.”

The national overtime ban for CUPW members remains in place.