Federal government moves for Canada Post workers to return to work

While the process continues, they said they look forward to their employees returning to work to serve Canadians.

“Our commitment has always been to reach negotiated agreements with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) that would help us better serve the changing needs of Canadians and provide good jobs to those who provide the service. We remain committed to doing so within this new process while also meeting the postal needs of Canadians,” as stated in the release.

The CUPW Local 818 in Red Deer, said they’re not ready to comment quite yet as they figure out their next steps.

However, according to a media release from the CUPW, the Union said the CIRB will hear from the parties as soon as possible and if they determine the parties cannot reach an agreement, the CIRB will order the Union back to work.

“The Union denounces in the strongest terms this assault on our constitutionally protected right to collectively bargain and to strike,” the CUPW wrote in a release.

“This order continues a deeply troubling pattern in which the government uses its arbitrary powers to let employers off the hook, drag their feet, and refuse to bargain in good faith with workers and their unions. This is a rapidly developing situation, and we have not had time to review all of the details. Once we receive the order, we will review it and consider every available option moving forward.”

The AUPE says its members are deeply concerned by the message the federal government is sending with what they describe as blatant interference with CUPW members’ right to strike and negotiate a fair contract with their employer.

“The decision to strike is not easy and never taken lightly but is a necessary action that demonstrates the vital role public service workers play in Canada’s economy,” reads an AUPE news release Friday. “The government’s pattern of interfering in the bargaining process not only undermines the rights of workers but also blocks crucial improvements to the postal system as a whole.

“AUPE continues to stand with CUPW members in their fight for workers’ rights and unequivoqually condemns any actions taken by the government to interfere with Canadians’ rights to bargain in good faith.”

– With files from the Canadian Press

by Ian Gustafson

Federal government moves for Canada Post workers to return to work

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