Canada Post workers return to work following CIRB ruling

DAN CEARNS, The Standard

DURHAM/KAWARTHA LAKES: After the postal strike was ended, because of a recommendation from the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) and federal intervention, Canada Post workers returned to their jobs on Tuesday, December 17th.

As part of the CIRB announcement, the existing collective agreements were extended until May 22nd, 2025

“Canada Post will restart operations tomorrow and begin the process of safely ramping up and stabilizing operations across the country. With a large, integrated network of processing plants, depots and post offices, stabilizing operations will take time and the company asks Canadians for their patience,” the Canada Post media relations team wrote on Monday, December 16th.

Their release noted that “Canadians should expect delivery delays through the remainder of 2024 and into January 2025.” They also noted “Canada Post will work to process a significant accumulation of international mail and parcels currently queued up to enter the postal system.”

In their latest statement, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) confirmed they are asking their members to “return to their regularly scheduled shifts as of 8:00 a.m. local time on December 17, 2024, and await further instructions.”

“We understand that members want to hold the line until the last minute to show our disgust with what is currently happening. Contravening this order may push the employer to go back to the CIRB for enforcement of their decision. In our opinion, we have the right to question the Employer to ensure that the Employer's access to the facilities is justified and is required to prepare for the resumption of the operations. Our obligation would be limited to allowing them access for that purpose only. All options remain under consideration to achieve negotiated collective agreements that prioritize fair wages, improved health and safety, the ability to retire with dignity, and the democratic right to free collective bargaining,” the statement added.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Canada’s Minister of Labour and Seniors, Steven MacKinnon, explained there is another step in the process along with the extension of the collective agreements.

“An Industrial Inquiry Commission will also be looking into the structural issues of the conflict and will issue a report on May 15th. This report will serve as a solid basis for both parties to negotiate their collective agreements.”