Canada Post workers “forced into vote” amid accusations of government collusion, strike chaos looms

Canada Post employees are being called on to vote on their employer’s “final offer” after nearly a year and a half of stalled negotiations, national strikes, and escalating tensions between the Crown corporation, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), and the federal government.

Minister of Jobs and Families Patty Hajdu, citing the Canada Labour Code’s section 108.1, formally approved the company’s request to hold a vote on the May 28 offers, reads Canada Post’s statement.

The Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) will administer the vote as soon as possible, the statement added. These proposals apply to both Urban and RSMC (Rural and Suburban) mail carriers.

A rare government intervention

Hajdu described the move as "in the public interest", pointing to 18 months of bargaining, over 200 meetings, 33 days of strike or lockout, and significant disruptions to communities and small businesses. Labour expert Adam King from the University of Manitoba notes such forced votes are "rare" and give employers "the upper hand."

Union says it’s being bypassed

CUPW has reacted strongly. Their leadership stated, “Canada Post and the Government are colluding to take away the rights of workers to freely and fairly bargain collective agreements,” and urged members to vote ‘no’. CUPW local presidents described feeling “completely caught off guard” and “not happy at all.”

As Leo Favreau, president of CUPW Local 620 in Thunder Bay, put it:

“I feel like I’m on a roller coaster… Canada Post said they don’t want [arbitration], and suddenly we’re going to be forced to vote.”

CUPW has also filed an Unfair Labour Practice complaint, claiming the vote circumvents their bargaining rights.

What’s at stake

Canada Post’s offer includes a 13–14 percent wage increase over four years, a signing bonus of $500–$1,000, weekend delivery, cost-of-living protection, and structural changes like part-time “flex” staffing—critical to the company’s turnaround plan. That proposal echoes recent Industrial Inquiry Commission findings that Canada Post faces a looming financial crisis, having lost more than $600 million last year and over $2.7 billion in seven years.

But union negotiators argue the offer undermines job security, threatens full‑time roles, and was presented without fanfare. They contend that arbitration, which CUPW had advocated for, is a “fair shake” and would resolve the deadlock more effectively.

Why it matters

If the vote passes, it could signal a resolution and end months of public inconvenience. But a “no” vote would likely push both parties toward binding arbitration, prolonging uncertainty for workers and Canadians alike.

Rural workers worry about whether weekend service means more hours or fewer protections. Urban carriers recall previous strike disruptions that cost them gift deliveries and links to vulnerable neighbours.

Date and logistics for voting will be set by the CIRB in the coming days.