The True Post(Web News)Canada Post has rejected a request from the union representing its nearly 55,000 workers to refer their ongoing labour dispute to binding arbitration.
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers made the request in a statement on Saturday, saying it was inviting Canada Post to a fair, final and binding arbitration process to resolve the months-long matter. But the Crown corporation rejected the proposal in a response on Sunday. It said it wanted to restore stability in the postal service and argued that the union’s request for binding arbitration would do the opposite.
Canada Post says the arbitration would be lengthy and complex and likely last more than a year. Canada Post submitted its final offers to the union on Wednesday, which include concessions including an end to mandatory overtime and a signing bonus of up to $1,000. But it stuck to its proposal for a 14 per cent cumulative wage hike over four years and part-time staff on weekend shifts, which were major sticking points in the talks. Canada Post said the two sides are at odds after months of conciliation and mediation and have asked Employment Minister Patty Hajdu to force a union membership vote on their latest proposals.
The CUPW said in a statement Sunday evening that a forced union vote would not bring lasting labour peace. The refusal is another demonstration that (Canada Post) is not interested in a reasonable outcome to this round of talks. The union has been on a legal strike since May 23, but has so far opted instead to prevent members from working overtime.
