Statement by the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour

November 22, 2018      Gatineau, Quebec        Employment and Social Development Canada

Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, issued the following statement regarding the collective bargaining negotiations between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW):

“For nearly a year, the Government of Canada has been supporting and encouraging Canada Post and CUPW to reach new negotiated collective agreements. Throughout the process, the parties were assisted by federal conciliation officers, mediators and a special mediator. We have re-appointed the special mediator and the parties continue to work to get to a deal. 

This ongoing work stoppage has had significant negative impacts on Canadians, businesses, international commerce, Canada Post, its workers and their families. Canadians and businesses rely on Canada Post and its workers, especially during the busy retail season. With Canadians and Canadian businesses feeling serious impacts, our government is prepared to legislate a path forward to keep goods moving for Canadians.

If required, the legislation would set out a process by which the parties would return to work while continuing negotiations with an independent mediator-arbitrator. Our government does not take this step lightly, and it is intended as a last resort.

While the step we have taken today is procedural, the Government of Canada is prepared to take action in the interests of Canadians. We still believe a deal is possible and I continue to encourage the parties to get to a deal before the legislation is passed."

Associated Links

Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service
Canada.ca