Labour Minister pushes for 'deal at the table' after Canada Post issues strike notice

Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon says the federal government currently has no plans to intervene in negotiations after the union representing Canada Post workers issued a 72-hour strike notice.

Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon says the federal government currently has no plans to intervene in negotiations after the union representing Canada Post workers issued a 72-hour strike notice on Tuesday morning.

“We are hoping to achieve a deal at the table,” MacKinnon said during a press conference on Tuesday. “The issues at hand in the Canada Post negotiations are substantial. They’re significant.”

“There's a lot of work to do, and I know the parties are negotiating today,” he added. “We will make every effort possible to keep them at the table and keep them talking, and we hope to achieve a negotiated settlement there.”

When pressed, MacKinnon insisted the government’s plan is to “support collective bargaining,” and that it’s “put all the resources that are required into supporting the parties” in place, namely “mediation support.”

If it came to it, the Liberals may be challenged in advancing back-to-work legislation through the House of Commons, as work in the chamber has been largely stalled since September, due to a Conservative-led privilege debate. 

Canada Post workers have a slate of demands, including wage increases in line with inflation, “improved staffing provisions,” increased paid medical days, paid meals and rest periods, and improved rights for temporary employees.

According to a statement from the union representing Canada Post workers, it’s undecided whether job actions will take place immediately, though they’ll legally be in position to strike as of Friday.