CUPW Negotiations update

May 14, 2025, 02:55 pm

The following letter has been mailed to CUPW-represented employees.

Dear Colleague,

The current collective agreements between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) are in effect until May 22, 2025. Unless new agreements are reached, CUPW may be in a legal strike position after this date.

I remain hopeful we can reach new agreements without a labour disruption, but I also know this situation creates a great deal of uncertainty for you and your family. That’s why I wanted to provide information about possible changes to your terms and conditions of employment, and what they could mean for you.

Canada Post has formally asked CUPW whether it intends to exercise its right under the Canada Labour Code to provide continued employee health benefits after the collective agreements expire and the Corporation is in a legal position to introduce new terms and conditions of employment. This would require CUPW to cover the cost of benefit premiums.

While it is not uncommon for bargaining units in Canada to cover the cost of maintaining health benefits in these circumstances, CUPW did not respond when asked in November 2024 whether it would cover these costs. With the collective agreements set to expire, we have asked again and are awaiting a response.

If CUPW does not exercise its right to maintain employee benefits after the collective agreements expire, health benefits for all CUPW-represented employees could once again change, like they did last year.

Please read the enclosed summary to learn more about what changes could be implemented for your bargaining unit.

We are committed to reaching new collective agreements that will help us better serve the changing needs of businesses and Canadians while providing good jobs to those who provide that service. We will keep you updated on any developments.

Thank you for your continued patience as we work through this process – I know it’s not easy. If you or someone in your family needs support, including during a labour disruption, our confidential Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) will continue to be available 24/7 at no cost by calling 1‑866‑565‑4903 or by visiting homeweb.ca.

Sincerely,
Doug Ettinger
President and CEO

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