Canada Post workers vote today on tentative deal after two years of strife
About 55,000 union members wrap up balloting on a five-year contract with wage increases of 6.5 and 3 percent in the first two years.
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Postal workers are set to wrap up voting today on new tentative agreements after more than two years of labour negotiations marked by multiple strikes and lockouts.
Some 55,000 union members began voting April 20 on a five-year contract that includes wage increases of 6.5 per cent and 3 per cent in the first two years. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers expects to release results Monday.
Canada Post and the union have long fought over wages and structural changes to the postal service. Both sides agreed not to engage in strikes or lockouts while the ratification vote took place, though employees are also casting ballots on whether to authorize a strike mandate in case they reject the deal.
About 60 per cent of the union board endorsed the proposed agreement, saying it ensures job security. But the union's president asked members to reject it, arguing it rolls back rights and compensation.
On Friday, Canada Post reported a $205 million loss before taxes in the first quarter as it moves forward with reforms aimed at addressing ongoing financial struggles.