Canada Post is rejecting efforts to resolve the issues, says union

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers is claiming that the postal strike is continuing because Canada Post is rejecting the efforts of the union to resolve the issues. This weekend, postal workers in Red Deer, Alberta, are on the picket line.

PHOTO CREDIT - Canada Post

Cornwall - Jun. 11, 2011 - The Canadian Union of Postal Workers is claiming that the postal strike is continuing because Canada Post is rejecting the efforts of the union to resolve the issues.

In response to yesterday's request from Labour Minister Lisa Raitt, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers agreed to suspend strike activity. The union's only condition was that the terms of its collective agreement would be reinstated.

In 1991, when CUPW suspended its strike action to assist mediation efforts, Canada Post agreed to reinstate the union's collective agreement. At 6 PM Friday evening, Canada Post's management rejected the union's offer.

"This behaviour on the part of Canada Post Corporation is totally unacceptable," said Denis Lemelin, CUPW National President and chief negotiator. "We are showing that we are willing to suspend our strike in good faith and with goodwill, as the Minister requested. Once again, Canada Post is rejecting any of our efforts to resolve the issues."

As a result of Canada Post's rejection, the union will continue its strike action in an effort to force Canada Post to negotiate. This weekend, postal workers in Red Deer, Alberta, are on the picket line.

Negotiations meetings are scheduled for Friday evening and will continue over the weekend.