Jobs minister meets with Canada Post union reps as overtime ban persists

A Canada Post worker arrives for work in Montreal on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. Union officials are meeting with Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu in Ottawa on Friday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi

Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu is meeting with postal union officials in Ottawa today amid an overtime ban and declining mail volumes at a beleaguered Canada Post.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers says the afternoon sit-down is going ahead with secretary of state for labour John Zerucelli present as well after on-and-off negotiations resumed Wednesday.

Canada Post presented its “final offers” to the union representing 55,000 workers earlier this week, with concessions including an end to compulsory overtime and a signing bonus of up to $1,000.

But it stuck to a proposal for a 14 per cent cumulative wage hike over four years and part-time staff on weekend shifts — a major sticking point in the talks.

The Crown corporation said this week it logged nearly $1.3 billion in operating losses last year, raising further questions about its business model as letter volumes plunge and fears of a second strike in six months persist.

The union says rallies are planned across the country on Saturday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 30, 2025.