Canada Post pauses talks with union ahead of looming possible strike

Canada Post says negotiations have paused to allow for a 'reset' in discussions, but the union representing its workers is criticizing a lack of clarity on when talks will resume.

Canada Post says it has told the union representing its workers that a “temporary pause” is needed after several days of talks, with the union calling that “reprehensible” as the clock ticks down to another possible labour disruption.

The Crown corporation said the pause was needed as the discussions had made no “meaningful progress.”

“This pause will allow Canada Post to focus on preparing comprehensive proposals aimed at moving discussions forward constructively,” Canada Post said in a press release Tuesday night.

But the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) said in a statement Tuesday that Canada Post was not providing a date for when to expect those proposals.

“Given the seriousness of the matter, it is reprehensible to keep workers and the public on edge when we should all be focused on negotiating good collective agreements that will benefit workers and grow our public service to meet the needs of all Canadians,” the union wrote.

The latest development comes just a week before a potential strike could begin on May 22, when the current collective agreements expire.

Canada Post and CUPW have been holding talks in recent months after the federal labour relations board ordered workers back to work in December 2024 following a request by then-labour minister Steven MacKinnon.

MacKinnon asked the board to do so if it agreed with his determination that there was an “impasse” in negotiations.