Talks between Canada Post and the union representing its workers continued this week as both sides seek to reach a deal that will prevent a labour disruption.
Talks between Canada Post and the union representing its workers continued this week as both sides seek to reach a deal that will prevent a labour disruption.
Canada Post came back to the table to talk July 10, agreeing to negotiate for another 30 days after issuing a 72-hour lockout notice July 8.
Media releases on the Canadian Union of Postal Workers website indicate that as of Wednesday, July 13, talks are ongoing on many of the outstanding issues, including working conditions, compensation and benefits.
“Although we are still very far from reaching agreements some progress was made on some issues,” according to the release attributed to the union's negotiators.
Canada Post, in a July 10 release on its website, indicated it wants long-term stability for the benefits of Canadians, the company and its workers.
“We are fully prepared to negotiate intensively for the next 30 days under an extended ‘cooling off period' to reach negotiated settlements,” the Crown corporation said in the statement. “However, if the parties are unable to successfully conclude negotiations within that period, both parties must agree to binding arbitration.”
The union has repeatedly rejected calls for binding arbitration, preferring instead a negotiated settlement.
Gazette plans
The St. Albert Gazette will still be available in the event of a mail disruption.
St. Albert, Morinville, and Cardiff will not be affected by a strike or lockout, since these areas are covered by door-to-door delivery by Gazette carriers.
However there are about 4,300 subscribers in Sturgeon County who receive the newspaper through Canada Post. If mail delivery is suspended, news boxes will be placed at strategic locations. A map will be available in ads and on the Gazette website.
There is a small number of national subscribers who won't be able to receive the paper if there is a disruption. An e-edition of the Gazette is available on our website.
