Canadian Government Orders End to Canada Post Strike; Workers Could Return as Early as Monday
Ottawa, ON – The federal government has ordered Canada Post to resume services, potentially bringing employees back to work as early as Monday, December 16th. This decision comes after nearly a month-long strike that has significantly impacted mail delivery across the country.
Federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon announced the decision on Friday, citing an “impasse” in negotiations between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW). MacKinnon stated, “Canadians are rightly fed up,” and emphasized that the strike has caused economic harm to small businesses, charities, and rural communities.
The government has asked the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to order workers back to work and extend the terms of the existing collective agreements until May 22, 2025. This move is aimed at protecting the interests of all Canadians and ensuring the timely delivery of mail and parcels.
The CUPW has denounced the government’s intervention, calling it an “assault on our constitutionally protected right to collectively bargain and to strike”. The union is currently reviewing the order and considering its options moving forward.
Canada Post has stated that it is reviewing the details of the announcement and is prepared to fully participate in the process and comply with the Minister’s directive. The company looks forward to welcoming employees back to work and serving Canadians and customers.
This is a violation of the right to collective bargaining . It’s a gift to the post office to force workers back to work without also forcing binding legislation on both parties