CUPW Negotiations update
May 14, 2025, 02:55 pm
73 comments
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
CUPW Urban
Last November strike lasted 32 days ,forced back.. longest strike in history, Oct 1975 and Oct 1981 approx. 42 days forced back. There is no doubt we can beat the 32 days from last november and set new record for longest strike in history 42 days. So cmon everybody let’s unite and work together to pass 42 days strike. We can do it!
Couldn’t the Albrerta n Canadian come up with a plan to keep important mail such as cheques to be delivered. It’s May 19th and it feels like they are already on strike. I’ve been waiting for 3 important letters that should have arrived almost 2 weeks ago, I have gotten a thing not even any junk mail. THIS SUX.
P.S. Also CP has sent me 3 or 4 emails in the last month ,telling me to download their app. So I can see if any mail is on it’s way and track where it is I’ve tries 8 Xs in the last 2 weeks , and every time , after you fill out the whole registration form , I hit Don to get “Sorry , try again later”
Couldn’t the Albrerta n Canadian come up with a plan to keep important mail such as cheques to be delivered. It’s May 19th and it feels like they are already on strike. I’ve been waiting for 3 important letters that should have arrived almost 2 weeks ago, I have gotten a thing not even any junk mail. THIS SUX.
P.S. Also CP has sent me 3 or 4 emails in the last month ,telling me to download their app. So I can see if any mail is on it’s way and track where it is I’ve tries 8 Xs in the last 2 weeks , and every time , after you fill out the whole registration form , I hit Don to get “Sorry , try again later”
Mail delivery is an ESSENTIAL SERVICE. It’s not designed to make a profit any more than health care or education are.
I am curious, is the objective here to basically bankrupt and drive Canada Post out of business permanently? Why… does the CUPW want to do that? It is blatantly obvious another strike is going to shake vendor confidence and finally make the break during a time we are fighting a Trump admin and attempting to increase interprovincial economic trade.
What does the CUPW think they’ll gain if Canada Post collapses? Are they thinking they can manage to… do something with Purolator? That will collapse too, though. Do they think they’ll be able to buy the assets or get higher wages with another company that buys Canada Post’s assets? I just don’t understand how CUPW is missing the forest for the trees here. Why not allow temporary and part time workers if the full-time workers already have some of the best job security in the country? Why demand Rural AND City get the same pay raise despite different work expectations? I dunno.
CUPW has got to get the 80s mentality out of their head and CPC needs to get rid of half the mgmt team…One side is as bad as the other
Sell CPC to Amazon. Privatization is the best thing to do.
A retarded idea. Look at the U.S. No one in their right mind wants to be like them.
Best thing to do is Privatize CPC. Sell it to Amazon and chill.
The Problem with CUPW is Money doesn’t play into any of there charter, But in the rest of the world and between strangers and with companies and the laws that rule corporations. Its all that matters. Does CUPW want federal Money??. If they never Ask, We will get our answer After the recent 1 billion loan is eaten up. Getting Into banking could be very lucrative because Canada post is a crown corporation (government) and the government gets the cheapest Interest rate even cheaper then Banks so its a No brainer.
Hey folks like many of you I live barely from not enough pay to not enough pay. But summer is here yeah and I’m gonna make the best of it without CPC and CUPW deciding any aspects of my life!!!
If there is a work stoppage ,it will give me a chance to work on my tan,while watching my tomatoes and some questionable veggies grow.
I love the comments made by those who say anonymous. I will never make any comment and say anonymous. Ever.
Fishy they put the comment section back up
tryna see how divided everyone is lol
All that brain power. Professional negotiators,executives ,lawyers ,presidents etc. And still after 2 and a half years and counting of contract negotiations ,no settlement yet if ever. Obviously,these people know what they are doing and im too slow to understand.
There is not a possibility of a negotiated agreement. There will be another extension put into place. A special board will be created and eventually a mass restructuring will be put in place.
newsflash! No Minister of Labour, only a secretary of state, whatever that’s supposed to be. Harper leftovers.
Thank you mr ellis for that post. You have done more right now than cpc and the union have done in the past 2 years.
We are NOT colleagues
Canada post is losing one billion annually, What we have learned is that Updated Post and delivery every other Day gets us to that one billion figure in savings, Weekend Delivery I suspect they need to gain some large contracts, How They integrate These extra parcel into the Business will be Key. Can They Do it Yes, Do they have the talent. History says No but lets see.I don’t think these guys Running the company want to take any RISK, Then you have to board of Directors, It would be interesting to know if they have seen the weekend delivery business plan including cost analysis. If there even is one……They Really messed up on the Albert Jackson Capital outlay. They didn’t have a plan there At least not yet…Maybe they think CUPW will try to eat any savings. LOL
So, just so I have this right, I’d like to get this all out;
Canada Post, about 14 years ago, decides to spend billions of dollars to change the way we deliver. They call it Postal Transformation and we all get new trucks so that we can deliver more parcels. Makes delivery waaay more dangerous because the “double bundle” system….but we do it because it’s our job.
Then, as letter mail continues to decline, we start ramping up on parcel delivery. Canada Post says we should be delivering 13 parcels per hour, plus the mail, plus the flyers. Most of us in large cities are getting 60 to 100 parcels a day, meaning, by their own measurements, we’d be taking about 5 hours to deliver ONLY parcels, leaving us 3 hours for mail, flyers, breaks, travel, etc.. We start to rush through our routes because we aren’t allowed overtime, but we do it because it’s our job.
Then, just as we’re getting somewhat used to breaking our backs to get all the work done in 8 hours, Canada Post decides to give up our largest parcel contract with Amazon and what used to be 60 to 100 parcels a day quickly becomes 15-30. There is no change to how we deliver, so we continue to do our jobs.
Now, as Canada Post continued to pay 6-figure salaries to 300+ upper management positions, with bonuses (even though they’ve been losing money for years), the building of a billion-dollar sorting facility, and dozens of new EVs that haven’t been touched, it’s all the fault of the employees that were only doing their jobs?? Do I have this right??
The company, not the employees, have completely ruined Canada’s postal service. They were late to the game at every turn, overspent on everything and want to take it all out on the grunts that have only been doing their jobs. I’m ready for this company to fail. I will walk the line every single day and if it means Canada Post ceases to exist and I have to find new employment at age 53, I’m cool with that. I won’t be blamed for the complete inadequacy of this company’s management!
Ok so your aim and the aims of CUPW is, in fact, to kill the company and Canada Post services to Canadians? Like… at least you are honest that you do not care about the public, the union statements etc are so full of “we are doing this for all Canadians!” etc, I find the honesty refreshing.
Feels amazing to work for a company that values both it’s employees and it’s business so little.
No clue why any managers at Canada post still have their jobs. You’re destroying the company.
A company whom is trying to control every aspect of the workers lives. You’ve forgotten that Canada Post may not shall , change working conditions and chooses what changes those are. Canada Post is choosing to turn the page by cancelling benefits and placing that on the union – why? Not because they care about employees rather one more visual of the abuse & control Canada Post imposes on their employees. This is a true representation of a Company whom is to provide a Public Service and instead has chosen to destroy employees to ensure the rest of Canada Suffers too ! Let see you hide this comment Canada Post
sO WHY will cupw not cover benefits again? reason please
Cupw has other Revenue commitments and priorities. But thanks CP that was important to know.
Too cheap!
Because the union would have no money coming in and has to cover strike pay. Medical premiums would bankrupt the union, which is why management is doing this.
No money coming in hey. So what happened to the over 5 million a month they collect on dues. Don’t know where that 60+ million a year is going, but you’d think they’d put it in a fund for things like this. Unfortunately CUPW has no accountability of where the money goes.
This has never been done before. CUPW doesn’t have the resources to cover members medically for any length of time. Canada Post knows this and is trying to upset members.
Because it is huge expense for 50,000 members and the union is not as rich as the corporation… oh wait, maybe we are richer!
The union has never done that in the past and mgmt is just trying to garner anti-union sentiment.
How not to run a country-look at our southern neighbour. How not to run a business-look at Canada Post.
Broke??!
how not run a country look at the Liberal party….CUPW also has a responsibility in how poorly the negotiations are going
CPC has no intention of coming to an agreement, if they did they would have done so before the disruption in November that has already driven the company into the ground. At this rate even if you come out of the imposed contract with what you perceive as a “win”, we will all end up losing. The business will not recover.
Thats why CUPW should accept what the corporation offer! 55k employees and 90% are living paycheques to paycheques
I think the national figure is around 50%, I don’t think that CP figure would deviate that much from that number, the 50% can be loud though and make it seem like 90%…thats for sure!
So they should accept falling behind inflation, making it harder to live paycheque to paycheque?
Every time we go on strike for a month we lose10% of our pay if not more That is something we will never gain back even with a 20% raise we are still behind and let’s face it. We’re not gonna get anything from the cheap broke company, and if our union chooses to go on strike that simply will be the end , neither side will give an inch.
We the cupw decided to strike! Are strike was put on hold! This has never happened with any union in all of history!! So let’s keep things straight!!
Pffffffft
Canada Post’s latest memo outlines what it plans to take away from employees if no agreement is reached by May 22.
Vacation? Gone.
Extended health and disability coverage? Cancelled.
Maternity and adoption allowances? Cut.
Time off the job? No longer pensionable.
These are not contingency measures. They are threats.
It’s a clear signal that when the contract ends, so does Canada Post’s commitment to basic decency. Instead of negotiating with urgency, they’re preparing to punish.
What does it say when a national institution plans to strip essential protections from the very people who keep it running?
This isn’t about financial pressure. It’s about control. And the message is loud.
And why should the cover benefits if you are not doing your job? There are several unions at CPC (APOC, PSAC to name a few) who were negotiating new agreements in the last year or so. CUPW is the only one that can’t reach an agreement. That says more about the union and not the corporation.
This afternoon, Canada Post negotiators informed CUPW that they were leaving the bargaining table, calling it a “temporary pause,” to put together another set of offers
The union is fighting for retaining FT positions, regardless on if those positions are justified. A company cannot stay in business if the majority of their workforce sits around for a large portion of their shift, or is at home after only delivering 4-5 hrs while meanwhile everyone getting paid for 8 hrs day after after day!! It’s NOT sustainable. The union would like to tell you it’s not our fault there’s no work, it’s sales, or management, or whatever. Bottomline is in the real world if business drops off, projects get canceled then workforce is reduced. Simple economics people.
This potential strike in no longer about pay increases, benefits, or protecting pensions. It’s about facing reality and trimming the fat. And b4 someone says I’m management stirring the pot, let me say this. This has to happen from the top all the way to.the bottom. Execs, senior management, supervisors, and all the way down to the grunts in the trenches. Scary thought , but has to be done or CP will cease to exist and on one will have a job.
The other bargaining units are waiting to see what cupw will get in arbitration before they try to negotiate their own. Unfortunately the whole ship may sink by then and we will all be screwed.
Apoc did not reach an a agreement they extended the current agreement a year to see how Cupw negotiations would play out, another one was decided through arbitration…so many lies on here
Actually the other bargaining units had their contracts extended until August 2026 with a 5 percent wage increase and no loss of benefits .They are waiting for CUPW to reach an agreement first then they will expect the same terms . Why can’t CPC extend CUPW for another year . Also maybe those other bargaining units should try to strike and CUPW can continue working instead .
Apoc has had their negotiations deferred to next year. The postmasters association has gone to binding arbitration. Canada post has NOT been a fair negotiator with any of their unions.
CPC threatens us and waits for the government to force us back to work. This is what they do. They never planned on negotiating.
what are you talking about those two bargaining agents deferred their negotiations because they ride our coattails. they all got a 5 percent raise to extend them by a year.
So CPC walks away from the table…to plan (?)…but demands a negotiated contract by May 22 or benefits will be taken away. Is this a protection racket now?
Is it possible to pay benefit premiums personally for period of hopefully never happening interruption?
Get on with it people!!! No one wants to go on strike again, not good for either side. Customers losing faith. Will end up going to binding arbitration as all avenues have been exhausted. Its been over 2 years no progress. Getting ridiculous now.
nice to read a comment that aligns with my outlook
Ya, it’s almost like the company has been dragging its feet for 2 years while also spending like drunken sailors on capital projects
Exactly! Arbitration is never good. If there is another strike, we probably won’t have jobs to come back to.
Sincerely… pffft
Why are we threatening eachother again with crap.. 7 days before another expiration!! This is utter nonsense..gone on waaaay too long.. nothing is going to change. We are cemented in each owns positions.. time for new negotiators.. absolutely can’t do this again.
Why not try to send the union a letter with an offer that they could feasibly accept, instead of throwing a hammer at them that guts 100 years of negotiated agreements????
The corporation has made multiple offers. The union executive has refused all, increased their demands and has not shown or let members vote on a single offer.
this is entirely false but ok
They are lowballing their offers, waiting for binding arbitration. Unfortunately they are killing the business while they are waiting
And CUPW isnt? Both sides should be ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES
lies !! we have been giving 2 very insulting global offers !!!
That’s a complete lie. The union has presented multiple offers to management, including 7 different ways to do weekend delivery at straight time. The union has also offered many new revenue streams but the company has refused any and all service expansion.
2 offers is not multiple !!
More threats from useless management. Fire the lot of you I say!
Dear Colleges
I am writing to you directly to express my concerns regarding the future of Canada Post, as this issue demands urgent attention at the highest level rather than being passed through the chain of command.
Canada Post is facing a severe financial crisis, with the possibility of bankruptcy becoming increasingly imminent. Given the gravity of this situation, I am deeply concerned about the lack of decisive action to align Canada Post’s operations with its current financial realities. As part of a broader effort to ensure long-term sustainability, it is crucial to reassess existing strategies and adopt realistic solutions that reflect the challenges at hand.
With the recent appointment of a new Minister of Labour and Procurement Canada, this presents an opportunity to reevaluate our approach and swiftly implement necessary reforms. If immediate action is not taken, the future viability of Canada Post—and the livelihoods of its employees—will be at serious risk.
I strongly urge you to request the Minister of Labour to impose binding arbitration, as negotiations have reached an impasse with no foreseeable resolution. Additionally, in an effort to contribute to a sustainable long-term solution, I have personally reached out to the Prime Minister’s Office to advocate for the forgiveness of Canada Post’s $1 billion loan, which would enable the organization to regain financial stability and operate self-sufficiently.
To ensure Canada Post’s long-term success, I recommend the following immediate government interventions:
Implement a community mailbox program to reduce costs and improve delivery efficiency
Eliminate the SSD program, which has proven ineffective and financially unsustainable
Overhaul restrictive regulations that hinder Canada Post’s ability to compete in the modern market
Forgive Canada Post’s $1 billion debt to restore financial stability
Sell Purolator to generate funds for pension security and financial restructuring
Expand weekend delivery services to increase revenue while avoiding privatization, which would ultimately raise consumer costs
The current status quo is unsustainable. At this stage, it is clear that an agreement will not be reached without significant intervention. I welcome any opportunity to discuss actionable solutions to help secure the future of Canada Post.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Dustin Ellis
Speak for yourself much
And get rid of ALL bonuses for supervisors on up to the CEO!
Thank you for your excellent and well thought-out letter. The two sides seem so entrenched, that they will never reach a compromise. We need people like you in CUPW ‘s negotiating committee.
You make some valid points- the weekend delivery model has to have more clarity- I say use Temporary employees to deliver parcels and packets on weekends- allow the corporation to replace retired or employees that move on with Temporary employees- a small increase to parcels and mail products- there are alot of government departments and agencies that DON’T make profits- ALWAYS remember that Canada Post is the ONLY delivery service that goes to alot of remote destinations because there is NO private delivery service that will accept to do this service.