Canada Post, union still at odds as strike looms. What are the sticking points?

While both parties are still negotiating, the union says 'if there is no real movement at the bargaining table, we won’t shy away from taking the next step.'

Canada Post and its workers’ union remain at odds in their labour negotiations as a potential strike looms, threatening to disrupt mail service for millions of Canadians.

Canada Post told Global News in an emailed statement Monday night that weekend talks with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) were “unfortunately less productive” than the Crown corporation had hoped for.

The union is in a legal strike position as of Sunday after a cooling-off period in the contract talks ended the day before, but has yet to issue a strike notice.

“At this time, neither party has provided notice (minimum 72 hours) of their intent to start a labour disruption,” said Lisa Liu, a Canada Post spokesperson.

While both parties are still negotiating, the union said Monday that “if there is no real movement at the bargaining table, we won’t shy away from taking the next step.”

The threat of a strike ahead of the busy holiday season has already had a “serious effect” on business as customers look for other delivery options, putting further financial strain on the company, Canada Post said.

“Retailers require certainty for their shipments at this critical time of year and are moving their parcels to other delivery companies,” Liu said.

“Customers have also cancelled direct marketing campaigns to avoid having items stuck in the postal network in the event of a strike. Our overall volumes are down significantly and continue to erode.”