CUPW proposes steep wage hikes and expanded weekend services amid ongoing Canada Post negotiations

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has submitted revised proposals to Canada Post, seeking higher wages and expanded services, including weekend parcel delivery and the introduction of part-time workers. These new offers come after unionized workers rejected Canada Post's previous offer, which included a 13 percent wage increase over four years.

Proposed wage increases

CUPW's latest proposals include annual wage increases of 9 percent in the first year, 4 percent in the second year, and 3 percent in each of the third and fourth years. This represents a significant increase from the earlier offer, which was approximately 13 percent over four years. The union's revised wage demands reflect ongoing concerns about inflation and the cost of living.


The union's new offers also address the issue of weekend delivery. Under the proposal, weekend mail service would primarily focus on parcel delivery, pickup, and mail sorting. Part-time workers would be hired to assist with weekend services, with a cap of 20 hours per week per worker. Additionally, the number of part-time workers scheduled for weekend duties would not exceed the number of full-time workers on shift. This approach aims to balance the need for expanded services with the protection of full-time employment opportunities.

Cost-of-living adjustments

CUPW is also seeking the introduction of a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) clause, which would trigger additional payments if inflation exceeds 10.33 percent in a given quarter. This threshold is higher than the approximately 7 percent outlined in Canada Post's previous offers. The union argues that such a measure is necessary to ensure that wages keep pace with rising living costs.

Benefits and pension provisions

The union's proposals include improvements to short-term disability benefits, ensuring that employees receive a minimum of 80 percent of their regular wages, up to 95 percent subject to certain conditions. The status quo would be maintained for the qualifying period, and employees would be eligible for up to 30 weeks of short-term disability benefits. Additionally, the union is advocating for enhancements to the defined benefit pension plan, aiming to provide greater financial security for its members.

Overtime ban and negotiation status

CUPW has maintained a national ban on overtime work as negotiations continue. Canada Post has stated that it is reviewing the union's new offers and remains committed to reaching new collective agreements through the bargaining process. Additional negotiations are scheduled for Friday and Monday, with both parties expressing a desire to resolve the outstanding issues amicably.

The current round of negotiations follows a period of labor unrest, including a nationwide strike in late 2024. During that strike, CUPW's demands included wage increases of 24 percent over four years, enhancements to group benefits, and improved protections against technological change.

Canada Post's financial challenges have been a central issue in the negotiations, with the corporation reporting over $3 billion in losses since 2018. The government has intervened in the past, appointing mediators to facilitate discussions and prevent disruptions to postal services.