According to Canada Post, members of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) have voted to accept tentative collective agreements covering both the Urban and Rural and Suburban Mail Carriers (RSMC) bargaining units, providing labour stability until January 31, 2029.
The Crown corporation announced that the parties will soon formally sign the agreements, marking the end of a lengthy bargaining process and paving the way for operational changes aimed at improving service and restoring financial sustainability.
Canada Post President and Chief Executive Officer Doug Ettinger welcomed the outcome, saying the ratification vote provides an opportunity for the organization to focus on rebuilding its business and strengthening public confidence in the postal system.
“We are pleased that CUPW-represented employees have voted to ratify these new collective agreements,” Ettinger said.
“With the stability of new agreements in place, we look forward to working with our employees and bargaining agents to rebuild the business, restore confidence in the postal system and better serve the country.”
The agreements conclude nearly two years of labour uncertainty that affected customers, employees and businesses that rely on Canada Post services.
Ettinger thanked Canadians and businesses for their patience throughout the bargaining process.
“Thank you to Canadians and businesses large and small for their patience over the last two years,” he said. “We will work hard to regain your trust.”
Canada Post said the agreements recognize the need for change as the corporation adapts to evolving customer demands and increased competition in the parcel delivery market.
The new contracts will allow the organization to introduce affordable weekend parcel delivery services and make adjustments to its retail operations while maintaining good-paying jobs across the country.
“While the process was challenging, these negotiated agreements recognize that Canada Post needs to change,” Ettinger said.
“They mean we can provide affordable weekend parcel delivery and make needed adjustments to our retail network while ensuring we continue to provide good-paying jobs across the country.”
Canada Post has faced significant financial challenges in recent years as traditional mail volumes continue to decline and parcel delivery competition grows. Company officials say modernization efforts are essential to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the national postal service.
“The new agreements are critically important as the Corporation moves ahead with its transformation to return to financial sustainability and better meet the modern needs of the country,” Ettinger said.
Canada Post delivers mail and parcels to every region of the country, including many rural and remote communities, making it one of Canada’s most essential public services.
“Canada Post plays an essential role in serving all Canadians by delivering to every corner of the country,” Ettinger said.
“It’s time to move forward by working together to renew and re-establish this important Canadian service.”
With the ratification vote complete, Canada Post and CUPW are expected to finalize and sign the collective agreements in the coming weeks, setting the stage for the corporation’s next phase of modernization and service improvements.
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