Canada Post workers go on strike Friday morning, disrupting deliveries
Canada Post workers hit the picket lines Friday after contract negotiations with their employer failed to conclude by the strike deadline — and Ottawa is signalling it's not ready to intervene.
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers said approximately 55,000 workers are striking, claiming little progress has been made in the bargaining process.
"The negotiations are very, very difficult," Labour Minister Steve MacKinnon told reporters in Montreal on Friday morning, adding that little progress has been made.
MacKinnon said he is working to facilitate the conclusion of a collective agreement, but each day brings "a new series of issues" that complicate efforts toward finding a resolution.
The strike comes just ahead of the busy holiday season and on the heels of labour disputes at Canada's ports.
Dan Kelly, president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, said this is "really bad timing" and a terrible blow to small businesses — the bulk of which still rely on the traditional mail service.
"We're just getting the ports back in operation and now retailers may start to receive goods again that were frozen in the ports for a while, but now they're going to struggle to get them out to their end consumer because of the postal strike," he said.
Kelly said this will also immediately freeze up business invoices already travelling through the mail system, sending people "scrambling to try to get money."
He said Ottawa should step in soon to intervene with back-to-work legislation or send the matter to the Canada Industrial Relations Board.
That's easier said than done, with a federal election expected to happen by next fall and all the political parties courting organized labour. Plus, Parliament is currently locked in the grips of a privilege debate about the release of government documents, which is blocking legislation from passing.
The minister said the government is not looking at forcing workers back on the job.
When asked if the strike could continue into the holiday season without finding a settlement, MacKinnon said he doesn't "foresee anything other than today, trying to facilitate negotiations."
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers issued a 72-hour strike notice earlier in the week, saying it's been asking for fair wages, safer working conditions and other improvements over nearly a year of bargaining.
Canada Post workers picket outside a sorting plant in Montreal on Friday, Nov.15, 2024. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes)
Godwin Smith, a longtime ranking member of the Ottawa local union out on the picket lines Friday, said postal workers are ready to stay out as long as it takes to get a "fair settlement."
“We're just on strike for a fair wage, better working conditions and we're tired of Canada Post coming to the bargaining table and just all the time asking for rollbacks,” he said, describing a frustrating past year of negotiations. “One day they're saying yes, the next day they're saying no. So, we're just taking two steps forward, one step backward for a year now, and we're not getting anywhere.”
Canada Post served the union with a lockout notice this week, but had said it didn't intend to lock workers out.
The Crown corporation released a statement early Friday morning confirming that customers will experience delays as a result of the strike.
The statement said mail and parcels will not be delivered for the duration of the strike, and some post offices will be closed.
Canada Post said shutting down facilities will affect its national network, with processing and delivery of mail possibly needing time to return to normal once the strike is over.
Ahead of the strike deadline, MacKinnon said he formally appointed the director general of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services as a special mediator to help in the talks.
"Our top federal mediators have been working with the parties tirelessly, and we are now sending additional resources to the bargaining table," MacKinnon said in a post on X.
"We are making sure that these two groups have everything they need to reach a deal."
Elections Nova Scotia will not send voter information cards in the mail due to the strike, according to a spokesperson who pointed out there are other ways voters can find out where to cast their ballots, such as by calling the agency or viewing its website. Voters in Nova Scotia go to the polls Nov. 26.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 15, 2024.
With files from Pierre Saint-Arnaud in Montreal.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
U.S. Postal Service suspends accepting mail bound for Canada due to strike
The U.S. Postal Service has temporarily suspended accepting mail headed to Canada due to the strike by Canada Post workers.
Biden pardons his son Hunter despite previous pledges not to
U.S. President Joe Biden pardoned his son, Hunter, on Sunday night, sparing the younger Biden a possible prison sentence for federal felony gun and tax convictions and reversing his past promises not to use the extraordinary powers of the presidency for the benefit of his family.
Kremlin says Trump threat to BRICS nations over U.S. dollar will backfire
The Kremlin said on Monday that any U.S. attempt to compel countries to use the dollar would backfire after U.S. president-elect Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on BRICS countries if they created their own currency.
Ontario food banks cutting back amid 'unprecedented surge in demand'
About 40 per cent of food banks in the province have scaled back the amount of food they provide each visit amid “record-high demand,” according to a new report by Feed Ontario.
'Devastating': Missing Surrey, B.C. teen found dead, family says
The family of a missing 18-year-old, who was last seen in Surrey over a month ago, says there has been a tragic end to the search.
Elton John says he has lost his eyesight and struggles to see his new stage musical
Elton John says he struggled to watch his new musical because he has lost his eyesight after contracting an infection.
opinion Are you overpaying for subscriptions? It's time for an audit
From streaming platforms and apps to gym memberships and meal kits, subscriptions are convenient, but it's easy to overlook how much you're spending. Personal finance contributor Christopher Liew offers tips on how to audit your subscriptions to save money.
PM Trudeau 'surprised' provinces unanimous on accelerated defence spending: Ford
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says his fellow provincial leaders are united in pushing for Canada to meet its NATO defence spending targets ahead of schedule, and that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was 'surprised' to hear it.
U.S. Great Lakes region gets yet more snow after a weekend of snarled Thanksgiving travel
Parts of the Great Lakes region saw new snow Monday and faced the prospect of even more this week after U.S. travellers battled harsh weather to get home after Thanksgiving, forecasters said.
Local Spotlight
Auburn Bay residents brave the cold to hold Parade of Lights
It was pretty cold Saturday night, but the hearts of those in a southeast Calgary neighbourhood warmed right up during a big annual celebration.
Three million grams of cereal collected to feed students in annual Cereal Box Challenge
The food collected will help support 33 breakfast and snack programs in the Greater Essex County District School Board.
Regina's LED volume wall leaving Sask. months after opening
Less than a year after an LED volume wall was introduced to the film world in Saskatchewan, the equipment is making its exit from the province.
Temperature records broken, tied following latest snowfall in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan received yet more snow as winter continues to ramp up on the prairies. With the increased precipitation, communities have recorded dipping temperatures – with a handful breaking or tying longstanding records.
'My dear Carmel': Lost letters returned to 103-year-old Guelph, Ont. woman
A young history buff was able to reunite a Guelph, Ont. woman with letters written by her husband almost 80 years ago.
'We have to do something': Homeless advocates in Moncton reaching out for help over holidays
Twice a week, Joanne and Jeff Jonah fill up their vehicle full of snacks and sandwiches and deliver them to the homeless in downtown Moncton, N.B.
100-year-old Winnipeg man walks blocks to see his wife
It's considered lucky to live to be 100, but often when you hit that milestone, you're faced with significant mobility issues. Not Winnipeg's Jack Mudry. The centenarian regularly walks five blocks to get where he wants to go, the care home where his wife Stella lives.
Video shows B.C. cat bursting through pet door to confront raccoons
Several hungry raccoons were chased off a B.C. couple’s deck this week by one over-confident house cat – who was ultimately lucky to saunter away unscathed.
Trailer Park Boys host Canadian premiere of new movie in Dartmouth
Sunday night was a big night for the Trailer Park Boys, as Ricky, Julian and Bubbles hosted an advanced screening of their new movie in Dartmouth, N.S.