[Canada] Postal workers reject ‘final’ contract offers after vote

On August 1, Canada Post workers further delayed a resolution to a longstanding labour dispute when they rejected the Crown corporation's latest contract offers after a two-week vote put directly to union members, MSN reports.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) said more than two-thirds of its separate rural and urban bargaining units voted against what Canada Post called "final" offers.

In a statement, Canada Post said, "This means negotiations between the parties remain unresolved," and added that it was "evaluating its next steps."

"While we are disappointed in the results, we want to thank employees for participating in the process."

CUPW leaders had reportedly urged the around 55,000 postal service workers it represents to reject the proposal, stating that doing so would force the company back into bargaining.

In a statement, CUPW national president Jan Simpson said, "Members have now made clear what our negotiators have been telling the employer all along: these offers don't cut it. 

"It's time for Canada Post to come back to the bargaining table and start seriously negotiating. With these votes behind us, Canada Post must now recognise that the only way forward is to negotiate ratifiable collective agreements that meet postal workers’ needs."

Ms Simpson added, "The time for games is over."

The offer reportedly included wage increases of about 13 per cent over four years. However, it also added part-time workers that Canada Post has said are necessary to keep the postal service afloat. 

The union has maintained a long fight against the use of part-time or contracted workers, pointing out that savings can be found elsewhere.

"This result does not lessen the urgent need to modernise and protect this vital national service," the company said.

"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."

The vote opened on July 21 and concluded on the evening of August 1, and was administered by the Canada Industrial Relations Board.

The union has stated that if workers reject the offer, it will immediately contact management and invite them to return to the bargaining table, but it added that further strike or lockout actions could risk the government intervening with back-to-work legislation or a binding arbitration order.

"If the government truly respects unions and collective bargaining, it will keep out," Ms Simpson said. "No more back-to-work orders. No more forced votes."

A national ban on overtime for CUPW members that began in May during stalled negotiations is ongoing.

Source: MSN

(Quotes via original reporting)

On August 1, Canada Post workers further delayed a resolution to a longstanding labour dispute when they rejected the Crown corporation's latest contract offers after a two-week vote put directly to union members, MSN reports.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) said more than two-thirds of its separate rural and urban bargaining units voted against what Canada Post called "final" offers.

In a statement, Canada Post said, "This means negotiations between the parties remain unresolved," and added that it was "evaluating its next steps."

"While we are disappointed in the results, we want to thank employees for participating in the process."

CUPW leaders had reportedly urged the around 55,000 postal service workers it represents to reject the proposal, stating that doing so would force the company back into bargaining.

In a statement, CUPW national president Jan Simpson said, "Members have now made clear what our negotiators have been telling the employer all along: these offers don't cut it. 

"It's time for Canada Post to come back to the bargaining table and start seriously negotiating. With these votes behind us, Canada Post must now recognise that the only way forward is to negotiate ratifiable collective agreements that meet postal workers’ needs."

Ms Simpson added, "The time for games is over."

The offer reportedly included wage increases of about 13 per cent over four years. However, it also added part-time workers that Canada Post has said are necessary to keep the postal service afloat. 

The union has maintained a long fight against the use of part-time or contracted workers, pointing out that savings can be found elsewhere.

"This result does not lessen the urgent need to modernise and protect this vital national service," the company said.

"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."

The vote opened on July 21 and concluded on the evening of August 1, and was administered by the Canada Industrial Relations Board.

The union has stated that if workers reject the offer, it will immediately contact management and invite them to return to the bargaining table, but it added that further strike or lockout actions could risk the government intervening with back-to-work legislation or a binding arbitration order.

"If the government truly respects unions and collective bargaining, it will keep out," Ms Simpson said. "No more back-to-work orders. No more forced votes."

A national ban on overtime for CUPW members that began in May during stalled negotiations is ongoing.

Source: MSN

(Quotes via original reporting)