The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) says it has filed an unfair labour practices complaint against Canada Post, accusing the Crown corporation of launching an “assault” by laying off workers during the ongoing strike.
The union said it formally filed the on Friday, arguing the move by the postal service to lay off workers is a “clear intimidation tactic” during the labour disruption. Canada Post confirmed to the Star Thursday that a “limited number of employees” are being affected and that the layoffs are temporary.
Neither the union nor the company has given an exact number of employees affected by the temporary layoffs.
“Laying off postal workers during a strike is illegal,” CUPW said in a statement to the Star on Saturday. “Instead of sitting down at the bargaining table with postal workers, Canada Post has chosen to launch an assault on postal workers.”
Meanwhile, Canada Post said it has received the complaint and is reviewing it, noting as it’s a “legal matter” they will respond to it. No timeline was provided.
“We deny any violation of the Canada Labour Code,” spokesperson Phil Rogers told the Star in an email.
Talks between the two parties were suspended by the special federal mediator on Wednesday after Canada Post said talks had “ground to a halt.”The union says it is waiting for Canada Post to return to the bargaining table “so we can resume serving our communities” after the mediator said talks will resume where there is a “path forward” for both parties.
Friday marked the two-week mark since more than 50,000 workers began to strike, halting Canada Post mail and delivery services ahead of the crucial holiday season.
Olivia Harbin is a staff reporter, working out of the Star’s
radio room in Toronto. Reach her via email: oharbin@thestar.ca
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