The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has recently negotiated a new collective agreement with Canada Post, which will cover the years 2019 to 2023. This agreement is significant for both CUPW and Canada Post, especially considering the challenges and uncertainties faced by the postal industry in recent years.
The new collective agreement includes a number of key provisions, including pay increases, benefits enhancements, and job security measures. For example, CUPW members will receive a 2% pay increase in each year of the agreement, as well as improvements to their dental and vision care benefits. In addition, the agreement includes provisions for job security, including a commitment by Canada Post to create new positions and maintain current ones.
Another important feature of the agreement is the inclusion of a new letter carrier route measurement process, which will be used to determine the workload and compensation for letter carriers. This process is expected to be more accurate and transparent than the previous process, which was criticized by CUPW for being arbitrary and unfair.
The agreement also includes a commitment by Canada Post to invest in new technology and services, which is intended to help modernize the postal service and improve customer satisfaction. This is a key priority for the postal industry, which is facing intense competition from digital and e-commerce platforms.
As with any collective agreement negotiation, there were challenges and disagreements between CUPW and Canada Post. For example, CUPW initially demanded a 3.5% pay increase in each year of the agreement, while Canada Post sought to reduce benefits for new employees. However, both sides ultimately were able to reach a compromise that satisfied their respective interests.
Overall, the new CUPW collective agreement is seen as a positive development for the postal industry and the workers it employs. It provides a framework for stability and growth, while also addressing some of the key challenges facing the industry. As such, it is a testament to the importance of effective collective bargaining and compromise in achieving a shared vision for the future of work.