Canadian postal workers prepare for strike

What's happening?

Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) are in a contract dispute. The two sides have been negotiating a new contract since last year, but have been unable to reach an agreement. The union has announced that it will begin a rotating strike on July 2, 2023, if a deal is not reached by then.

What are the key issues?

The key issues in the dispute are wages, benefits, and working conditions. CUPW is asking for a 10.9% wage increase over the next three years, as well as better benefits and working conditions. Canada Post has offered a 6.9% wage increase over the same period, as well as some improvements to benefits and working conditions.

What are the potential impacts of a strike?

A strike could have a significant impact on the Canadian economy. Canada Post delivers mail to over 16 million addresses in Canada, and a strike would disrupt the delivery of mail and packages. This could have a ripple effect on businesses and consumers, as well as on the government. A strike could also lead to job losses, as Canada Post has said that it may be forced to lay off workers if a strike occurs.

What are the next steps?

The two sides are scheduled to resume negotiations on June 17, 2023. If a deal is not reached by July 2, 2023, the union will begin a rotating strike. The strike will affect different parts of the country on different days, and it is expected to last until a deal is reached.