Mail carriers begin legal strike action with national overtime ban

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has launched a country-wide overtime ban for its employees after not reaching a deal with Canada Post before last night's deadline.

“As a result, Canada Post will continue operating, but customers may experience delays,” stated the Crown corporation.

“It’s unclear how CUPW’s strike action may evolve. At this time, there are no rotating strikes or national work stoppages. The corporation will keep Canadians and businesses informed if strike activity escalates and there are changes to postal operations.”

The overtime ban comes after the corporation presented the union with global offers earlier this week, but turned down a two-week truce from CUPW to continue negotiations without the threat of a strike or lockout.

“The corporation’s actions have created widespread public uncertainty, which has already pushed some customers to our competitors,” the union wrote on Thursday.

“At this time, the union has decided to proceed with an overtime ban to minimize disruptions to the public and lost days to members. Should Canada Post agree to the conditions of the truce prior to midnight, the overtime ban will not go into effect. Additional actions may take place in the future, including but not limited to: if Canada Post changes our working conditions, suspends our benefits, or begins layoffs.”

The overtime ban means that letter carriers will return to their depots even if they did not complete their routes, and employees will not work more than 40 hours a week.

“The company is ready to return to the bargaining table as soon as possible to resume negotiations with the assistance of the mediators,” wrote Canada Post.

“Canada Post has already seen parcel and mail volumes decline significantly as customers prepare for another potential labour disruption.”