Canada Post has temporarily laid off striking postal workers as stalled negotiations with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) continue. The Crown corporation said the layoffs, announced Thursday, are a necessary adjustment to operations during the national labour disruption, which began on November 15.
“Due to CUPW’s ongoing national labour disruption and the significant impact on the company, we have made adjustments to our operations, as allowed under the Canada Labour Code,” said spokesperson Phil Rogers.
CUPW, representing approximately 55,000 postal workers, criticized the layoffs as a “scare tactic.” The union accused Canada Post of using the measure to pressure workers amid mounting tensions, especially as the holiday season and Black Friday sales exacerbate operational challenges.
The strike has already delayed nearly 10 million parcels, with that number expected to grow as the busy shopping season progresses. Expired collective agreements and a lack of consensus on key issues have left workers on the picket lines, creating uncertainty for employees and Canadians alike.
Labour and employment lawyer Deborah Hudson noted that Canada Post’s decision to lay off workers during a strike is unprecedented and likely to face legal challenges from the union. CUPW confirmed it is exploring its options to contest the layoffs.
Federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon revealed that mediation talks have reached an impasse, with both sides “too far apart” on critical issues. While the government has temporarily suspended mediation efforts, MacKinnon ruled out binding arbitration, stating it is “not in the cards.”
Canada Post has reiterated its commitment to reaching new collective agreements and is “considering its options to move negotiations forward with greater urgency.” Meanwhile, CUPW President Jan Simpson emphasized the union’s dedication to protecting full-time jobs for its members.
With no resolution in sight, the strike has created a standoff that risks further disrupting services and impacting the Crown corporation’s financial performance during one of the busiest periods of the year.
