Canada Post service disruption looms, as union and management fight over strike or lockout

Tensions are high as the deadline for a strike or lockout of Canadian postal workers draws near.

The strike deadline is Saturday at midnight, but the union must issue a 72 hour notice before going on strike.

The Crown corporation says it tabled new contracts last Saturday, but have yet to hear a response from the union. On Tuesday, CUPW asked for a two-week extension to give them more time for contract negotiations. Canada Post denied the request.

• Canada Post issues delivery deadlines to avoid possible service disruption

• Looming Canada Post work stoppage has medical marijuana producers scrambling

John Wastell, the local President of CUPW 560 in Kitchener, said the process has been frustrating for him and his members.

He said after the union began negotiations with Canada Post, the company asked for conciliation right away. That usually occurs after talks have broken down. 

Issues include roll backs

Wastell said the main issues are roll-backs of current contracts.

"We're a little discouraged about a company that's been profitable for 20 years, multi-million dollar profits in the last two quarters and they're still demanding roll backs and increases in productivity," said Wastell.

• Possible Canada Post strike could cost P.E.I. businesses thousands

• Canada Post warns biggest customers to prepare for service disruption

Wastell said Canada Post has turned around its fortunes and has been making a profit on Ad Mail, parcels and business correspondence.

"We're trying to expand on that by getting them into postal banking and other revenue streams. But they're not listening to us."

Wastell said workers took roll backs in the after an illegal strike in 2011 and won't do it again.

Canada Post and the union have been in negotiations since December for its 50,000 delivery and plant employees.

Canada Post delivers approximately nine billion letters, parcels and flyers a year, serving nearly 15 million residential and one million business addresses. 

The last labour disruption at Canada Post occurred in 2011, when there were 10 days of rotating strikes, followed by a nearly two-week lockout before Ottawa invoked back-to-work legislation.