Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) are still at the bargaining table, as negotiations continue over wages, work conditions, and job structure. While strike action hasn't been taken, the union has implemented an overtime ban as a strategic step to keep talks going and avoid public disruption.
David McLeod, president of Local 802 of CUPW, says the decision is meant to apply pressure on the corporation while minimizing impact on communities.
“Rather than do a full strike, the union decided that we would just put a ban on overtime,” he notes. “Ultimately I think what we're trying to do is just keep the mail moving… and I think it just kind of bought us some time to look over the proposal that they gave us.”
The union reviewed the company’s latest offer over the weekend and responded with a counter-proposal.
“Hopefully we'll hear something back from them within the next day or two,” he adds. “But I guess the positive is that they are actually talking now.”
Concerns beyond the raise
McLeod says the current offer from Canada Post may look appealing on the surface, but there’s more at stake.
“As the public sees that they're offering a 13% raise and a lot of people might think, well, what's wrong with that?” he continues. “But what they don't tell you is that they're also trying to change the way we get paid for delivering our flyers, which would actually… in some cases, you might actually be getting a pay cut.”
Another major concern involves job structure. The union worries changes to weekend staffing could reduce the number of full-time roles available.
“The union is trying to have as many full-time permanent jobs as possible,” McLeod remarks. “In Portage, I don't think that's going to affect us a whole lot, but you never know.”
Still delivering for now
Despite the ongoing negotiations, mail is still being delivered in Portage and across Manitoba.
The union awaits a response from Canada Post and says strike action remains a possibility, but not an immediate one.
“Not at this point, but I mean I guess at any point in time we could get the call saying, OK, we're out,” he mentions. “I think both sides are kind of posturing a bit… but for me, I just want to keep the mail moving.”
CUPW Local 802 represents about 30 postal workers in Portage and Neepawa.