Settlement reached in complaint over Canada Post layoffs as strike hits four weeks
The union representing Canada Post workers says an unfair labour practice complaint over the company's layoffs has been resolved, calling it an important victory for workers' rights.
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers filed the complaint with the Canada Industrial Relations Board on Nov. 29 after hundreds of striking postal workers received temporary layoff notices while on strike.
In a statement issued Wednesday night, the union said a mediated settlement has been reached that requires Canada Post to notify affected employees that they are not on a temporary layoff.
However, Canada Post says under the terms of the resolution, it reserves the right to make staffing adjustments in the future if required.
When news of the layoffs broke, Canada Post at the time said it was adjusting its operations to mitigate the effects of the strike, while the union characterized the layoffs as a scare tactic.
The union said the layoffs affected approximately 328 workers, with some of them happening on the first day of the strike.
The strike by more than 55,000 workers reached the four-week mark Thursday.
Pressure has been mounting for the government to intervene, but federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon insisted on Wednesday that's not going to happen.
"I'm telling these parties to take very seriously the work that they have before them and to get a deal done," he said.
During question period, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre pressed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on when the government would put an end to the strike, to which Trudeau responded that the best deals are made at the bargaining table.
Federal mediation was paused more than two weeks ago because the two sides were too far apart and has yet to begin again.
Some key issues that Canada Post and CUPW are stuck on include wages and how to staff a proposed expansion into weekend delivery.
In recent days, the two parties have been releasing statements criticizing each other's proposals.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 12, 2024.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
A B.C. man won a $2M jackpot. Members of his workplace lotto pool took him to court
A dispute over a $2 million jackpot among members of a workplace lotto pool has been settled by B.C.'s Supreme Court.
Liberal leadership: Freeland to announce bid within the next week
Former finance minister Chrystia Freeland will announce her intention to run for the Liberal party leadership just before the U.S. presidential inauguration, a source close to her campaign team says.
Icelandic discount carrier Play Airlines pulls out of Canada, leaving customers in dark
Play Airlines is pulling out of Canada less than two years after entering the market.
Singh calls on Canada to stop critical minerals exports to U.S. amid Trump tariff threat
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says the only way to deal with 'bully' U.S. president-elect Donald Trump and his looming tariff threat is to make him feel the 'pain' of Canada's retaliatory measures.
Hanging out at Starbucks will cost you as company reverses its open-door policy
If you want to hang out or use the restroom at Starbucks, you’re going to have to buy something. Starbucks on Monday said it was reversing a policy that invited everyone into its stores.
Bishop's students allege teacher uses degrading terms, university doing nothing
Students at Bishop's University in Sherbrooke, Que., say they're shocked and appalled by the school's apparent lack of action over a teacher they allege has been using derogatory language in her classroom for years.
Norovirus cases are rising in Canada. Here's advice from a doctor
Canadian health officials are reporting a rising number of cases of the highly contagious norovirus illness in Canada, warning that the elderly and young children are most at risk.
Queen Elizabeth II wasn't told about Soviet spy in her palace, declassified MI5 files show
Queen Elizabeth II wasn’t told details of her long-time art adviser's double life as a Soviet spy because palace officials didn’t want to add to her worries, newly declassified documents reveal.
Live grenade found among scrap metal in Kingston, Ont.: police
Police in Kingston, Ont. say a live grenade was found in a scrap metal container at a local waste facility this weekend.
Local Spotlight
'Thankful for the rest of my life': Woman's final goodbye with father captured on video at Winnipeg airport
One woman is expressing her deepest gratitude to the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport after the staff helped her retrieve the security footage of her final moments with her father.
Meet Franklin, the rescued tortoise who spent the last three months in a B.C. fridge
Franklin the tortoise has been in a fridge for the past 15 weeks.
'I didn't want to go cold turkey:' Environment Canada's David Phillips on why he keeps working after retirement
When Environment Canada Senior Climatologist David Phillips retired this past September, he wasn’t quite ready to call it a career.
‘People are excited’: Portion of Rideau Canal Skateway opens for the first time this year
A section of the Rideau Canal Skateway has opened for the first time this winter.
Vancouver strip club's X account suspended over cheeky marquee message
The marquee at The Penthouse strip club in downtown Vancouver is known for its edgy comments on politics and pop culture.
'One-of-a-kind' fire-breathing dragon sculpture takes over Winnipeg yard
A Winnipeg sculptor’s latest creation could also double as a house guard.
'Really unique': Ice core drilled by U of M scientist could unlock climate history
A Manitoba researcher was part of a historic research team that uncovered the oldest ice core ever retrieved.
'Loving each other, building memories:' B.C. couple facing life-threatening illnesses cherishes every day
Hayley and Bill Atkinson’s love story begins that night he abruptly left in the middle of playing a card game with friends, and didn’t return for a long time.
Long live the King: N.B. tribute artist to honour Elvis' 90th birthday with special performance
Though it has been nearly five decades since Elvis' death, his music and influence continue to inspire fans around the world, including tribute artist Thane Dunn of Moncton, N.B.