Canada Post on Christina Street in Sarnia. October 29, 2024 (Blackburn Media file photo by Natalia Vega) Canada Post on Christina Street in Sarnia. October 29, 2024 (Blackburn Media file photo by Natalia Vega)
Chatham

Canada Post employees to return to work Tuesday

The labour dispute between Canada Post and its employee union has ended for now.

The Crown corporation announced late Sunday night that the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) has determined that both sides are at an impasse and has ordered workers to head back to the job on Tuesday.

Post offices will remain closed on Monday.

Canada Post said employees will be granted a retroactive pay increase.

"We look forward to welcoming our employees back to work and serving the millions of Canadians and businesses who rely on our services," read a statement from Canada Post. "While the terms of the existing collective agreements will be extended until May 22, 2025, we also put forward an offer to implement a wage increase of five per cent for employees, which was proposed in the company’s last global offer."

The retroactive pay will come in two parts. One is in time for Christmas in the form of an upfront payment of $1,000 for all regular employees and $500 for temporary employees based on a minimum number of hours.

The rest will be paid out by the end of January 2025.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has not yet commented on the development.

CUPW-represented employees walked off the job on November 15. Wages, benefits, working conditions, the right to retire with dignity, and expansion of services have been the main sticking points.

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