Despite the presence of a mediator, discussions between union members and the employer were complicated this weekend. Despite the importance of the issue in the current situation, the question of salaries has not yet been addressed at the negotiating table.
However, discussions on possible weekend shifts for Canada Post employees took place. It is estimated that the creation of these additional work periods will allow the state-owned company to be more competitive with their competitors.
“We continued our efforts to make urgent changes to our delivery model to be able to offer delivery on weekends and obtain more flexibility for conditions during the week,” mentioned Canada Post in a statement sent by press release. “For its part, the union has focused on other issues, such as hiring contract housekeeping staff into full-time employees, and has resisted any changes to compensation and to the social benefits of employees who will be hired in the future.”
“Volume losses” of nearly “10 million packages”
The impacts of the strike are beginning to weigh on many merchants who are witnessing daily delays in the delivery of packages necessary for their businesses.
“Our volume losses have reached almost 10 million packages since the start of the strike, a decline which will increase as the strike continues and people look elsewhere to have their items delivered.”
– Excerpt from a Canada Post press release
“Unfortunately there will be costs for retailers […] But we still have hope that it will be resolved,” said Michel Rochette, president of the Retail Council of Canada in an interview with Noovo Info on Monday.
“What we need right now is a rapid resolution to the conflict,” said Jasmin Guénette, vice-president of national affairs at the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB).
Mr. Guénette believes that Ottawa should impose binding arbitration or special legislation to force the strikers back to work.
Canada
