Overview of the Meeting
Yesterday, members of CUPW’s National Executive Board and Negotiating Committees continued important discussions with representatives from Minister Lightbound’s office about the direction of the public post office and what is required to reach ratifiable collective agreements. The dialogue emphasized the critical need for robust job security protections and stronger language to prevent outsourcing, reinforcing that protecting workers benefits both people and the organization as a whole.
Key Topics and Positions
The unions outlined several core positions during the talks. First, they stressed that job security protections in collective agreements are essential for a stable workforce and reliable service to Canadians. Without strong protections, the unions argued, attempts to contract out work would erode the quality and reliability that Canadians expect from Canada Post.
Second, the discussions highlighted concerns about Canada Post’s ongoing use of its subsidiary Purolator, and how such arrangements could undermine negotiations and affect profits. The aim, the union representatives stated, is to ensure transparency and accountability so that corporate structures do not undermine bargaining outcomes or workers’ rights.
Another focal point was the so-called non-negotiable demands. One prominent non-negotiable cited by Canada Post is the adoption of dynamic routing. CUPW representatives reminded the Minister’s office that a dynamic routing pilot had already been trialed—and subsequently ended—by management, not by the union, underscoring the need for collaborative, data-driven decision-making rather than unilateral mandates.
Mandate Review and Consultation Process
The meeting also touched on the Minister’s anticipated mandate review. The unions urged that the process be public and fully transparent to ensure that stakeholder input is audible and meaningful. This aligns with growing calls for openness in how Canada Post plans to implement recommendations from the Kaplan Report.
As the Minister announced on September 25, Canada Post was given 45 days to present a plan to implement some Kaplan recommendations. The unions noted that many new demands have appeared in Canada Post’s most recent global offers, interpreted by the unions as extensions of the Minister’s directive. The impact of these additions on the current round of bargaining was highlighted, emphasizing the need for clear communication and verification of consent from the broader workforce before any changes are codified.
Next Steps and Calls for Engagement
Looking ahead, CUPW urged the Minister’s office to respond promptly with concrete statements on how Canada Post’s future will be shaped. The unions requested that any major decisions be made transparently and with active union input, ensuring workers’ voices remain central to the process. The overarching message is clear: constructive, transparent engagement is essential to achieving sustainable progress in bargaining and governance.
Conclusion
In solidarity, CUPW continues to advocate for a future where Canadians receive reliable postal service, built on fair, secure employment and responsible corporate practices. The conversations with the Minister’s office reflect a shared interest in a robust, transparent approach to Canada Post’s evolution—one that safeguards workers’ rights while supporting the Corporation’s ability to serve the public effectively.
