In its latest decision, Canada Post has rejected a request by postal workers to extend the July 2 “cooling off” deadline by two weeks.
After receiving the Crown corporation's first offer just over a week ago, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has presented a counter-offer.
“The union has brought forth their counter-offer. We received it July 1st,” said Barbara Lilly, president of CUPW Local 818. “They're not happy with the counter-offer.”
Before a strike or lockout can occur, a 72-hour notice is required from either side. Since neither CUPW or Canada Post Corporation has given that notice, no action can be taken before July 7.
“That's the earliest that anything could happen,” she added.
Job security, wages and service expansion are still top priorities for the union said Lilly, adding that the new counter-offer includes a four-year contract for both rural and suburban and urban mail carriers. That contract would expire Dec. 31, 2019.
“Letter carriers have gone two years without a pay raise. This is why the union has been suggesting expanding because that would open up full-time jobs for several people,” said Lilly, noting the difficult economic times facing many Albertans today.
“There's no work out there, so this is Canada Post's opportunity to open up and help the economy,” she said. “I know there's a lot of people out there in the private sector that don't get pay increases regularly and it's unfortunate. The cost of living goes up. Everybody should be compensated for that with an increase, even if it's only a fraction,” explained Lilly.
“Right now Canada Post is not entertaining any of those ideas but we're hoping that they change their opinion on that.”
Once lockout or strike action is determined, Lilly said picket lines will be set up.
“In anticipation that it was going to happen after July 2nd, we went around last week to our CUPW offices, which include Lacombe, Stettler, Olds, Innsifail and Rocky Mountain House to drop off supplies should (picketing) happen,” she said.
Beginning in May, a federal task force was created to review postal service in Canada. It is something that Lilly says could have a positive impact for Canadians.
“That's your chance to get your opinion out. They'll look at what Canadians want,” she said, noting some viable options for the review to consider could include service expansion, seven-day parcel (and overnight) delivery, part-time weekend and evening jobs and postal banking service.
“At this point, neither side wants to take action so we're hoping they can come to an agreement,” she said, noting that everyone is trying to stay calm and focused. “We understand the public isn't in favour of us going on strike,” said Lilly.
“We're in limbo right now. We don't know which way things are going to go.”
