CUPW negotiations: Conciliators appointed
August 13, 2024, 08:16 pm
The federal Minister of Labour has appointed conciliators to help Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) reach new collective agreements.
On August 2, 2024, CUPW filed notices of dispute with the Minister of Labour. The next step is conciliation, which provides an extended timeline for the parties to continue negotiating with the help of neutral conciliators.
No labour disruption can occur during conciliation
The process of conciliation assistance through the Minister of Labour is established by the Canada Labour Code:
- Two conciliation officers were appointed on August 13, 2024.
- The parties now enter a conciliation period that typically lasts 60 days. The conciliation period can be extended if the parties agree.
- After the conciliation period, if there is still no agreement, a 21-day cooling-off period follows.
- Only after the cooling-off period would either party be in a position to initiate a labour disruption (following 72-hour advance notice).
- This means that, under the Canada Labour Code, a labour disruption should not happen for nearly three months.
- Negotiations can continue throughout this entire process.
Operations continue as usual
Canada Post’s two collective agreements with CUPW expired on December 31, 2023 (Rural and Suburban Mail Carriers) and January 31, 2024 (Urban Postal Operations). The existing collective agreements continue to apply for CUPW-represented employees. Operations continue as usual during the conciliation process.
We remain committed to working collaboratively with CUPW, with the goal of reaching negotiated agreements and avoiding any labour disruption.
Keeping you informed
Throughout this process, we’re committed to supporting you and keeping you informed through mailings to your home; and with posts on Negotiations Hub. Check the Negotiations Hub website for important updates.
CUPW RSMC