Postal workers across Canada have voted overwhelmingly to reject proposed contract offers from Canada Post, following nearly two weeks of balloting.
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) announced that both its bargaining units turned down the deals. In the Urban unit, 68.5 percent of members voted against the offer, while 69.4 percent of Rural and Suburban Mail Carrier (RSMC) members also said no.
Union leadership said the results are a clear response to what they describe as a fear-based campaign launched by the corporation and backed by the federal government – aimed at pressuring members into accepting the proposals.
CUPW National President Jan Simpson says the forced vote strategy backfired and shows that members are united and unwilling to settle for substandard agreements.
“It’s time for Canada Post to stop the games,” Simpson stated in a bulletin to members. “The only way forward is through real negotiation.”
The union is now urging Canada Post to return to the bargaining table and work toward “ratifiable collective agreements” that meet the needs of postal workers. CUPW has also called on the government to refrain from legislative interference or additional forced votes.
The national overtime ban remains in place as the union awaits a renewed offer.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)