Canada Post workers to learn if tentative contract passes ballot
Union members voted on a five-year deal with 6.5% and 3% wage increases. Results come out today after months of labour strife.
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Canada Post workers will find out today whether they've accepted a tentative five-year contract that's been months in the making. Around 55,000 members of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers began voting April 20 on the deal, which includes wage increases of 6.5 per cent in the first year and three per cent in the second.
Canada Post and the union have clashed repeatedly over wages and structural changes to postal service delivery. Workers hit the picket line multiple times throughout negotiations. Both sides agreed not to strike or lock out workers while the ratification vote proceeded, though employees are also voting on whether to authorize a strike mandate if they reject the deal.
About 60 per cent of the union board endorsed the proposed agreement, citing job security. But the union's president urged members to reject it, arguing it rolls back rights and compensation.
On Friday, Canada Post reported losing $205 million before taxes in the first quarter as it pushes forward with reforms aimed at addressing ongoing financial struggles. The carrier has been under pressure to modernize its operations and cut costs, but the union argues the restructuring unfairly targets workers.
Ballot results are expected today.