CUPW Negotiations: Update on Industrial Inquiry Commission
Starting Monday, January 27th Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) will be participating in hearings as part of the Industrial Inquiry Commission (IIC) established by the Minister of Labour in December.
Pivotal moment for Canada’s postal service
The IIC comes at a critically important time for Canada’s postal service as we work to respond to the changing needs of Canadians and address the significant challenges facing the Corporation.
The IIC represents a welcome opportunity to examine the fundamental challenges facing Canada Post, and to develop recommendations to help ensure the postal service becomes a sustainable service provider for Canadians.
The stakes are high for Canada Post, CUPW, the Corporation’s approximately 68,300 employees, and, ultimately, all Canadians.
Commission led by William Kaplan
The Industrial Inquiry Commission is being led by William Kaplan, a highly respected expert in arbitration and mediation who is familiar with Canada Post.
The commission has been directed to examine the key issues with respect to the collective bargaining dispute, and more specifically:
| • | Canada Post’s financial situation |
| • | The company’s need to diversify or alter its delivery models in response to current business demands |
| • | Canada Post’s viability as it is currently configured |
| • | The union’s negotiated commitments to job security and full-time employment |
| • | The need to protect the health and safety of employees |
Public hearings scheduled next week
Public hearings will be held on Monday, January 27, and Tuesday, January 28. On Monday, the IIC will hear from Canada Post and CUPW representatives. Canada Post will present the following:
| • | Financial update – Rindala El-Hage, Chief Financial Officer |
| • | Market update – Carrie Chisholm, Vice-President, Product Management and Customer Experience |
| • | Operations update – Alexandre Brisson, Vice-President, Engineering |
| • | Future vision – Doug Ettinger, President and CEO |
Other dates are scheduled for later in February and March.
The commission is expected to provide its report to the Minister of Labour by May 15.
Collective agreements remain in effect
In the meantime, the existing collective agreements between Canada Post and CUPW have been extended until May 22. A labour disruption cannot occur while these collective agreements remain in effect.