Canadian postal workers, numbering 55,000, held a protest outside the headquarters of Canada Post in Ottawa on Thursday, as the strike entered its second week. This strike came after failed negotiations between the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) and the company to reach a new collective agreement.

Union's Main Demands

• Raise wages in line with inflation.

• Increase paid sick leave and improve health benefits.

• Reduce reliance on private contractors to ensure job stability.

Canada Post's Position

• The company sees the need to update its model of paper-based mail to better align with modern market needs.

• It indicates accumulated financial losses of more than $3 billion since 2018.

• It seeks to reach agreements that ensure its operational sustainability without imposing additional fixed costs.

Negotiations and the Government

Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon announced a temporary suspension of mediation due to the significant gap between the positions of the two parties, but he noted that the government does not currently plan to impose a solution through mandatory arbitration.

Impact on the Community

The strike has led to widespread disruptions in postal services, which places significant pressure on individuals and businesses, especially with the holiday season approaching.

Future Aspirations

The union confirms its readiness to resume negotiations to achieve its demands, while the company calls for solutions that balance workers' rights and service sustainability.