Canada Post, Union in Last-Minute Talks

The cheque might not be in the mail for some as soon as May 26.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers is expected to present a new contract proposal Sunday to avert a possible strike. CUPW had threatened to walk off the job as early as Tuesday but the union has not provided its workers seventy-two hours' strike notice yet, so May 26 would be the earliest for a strike to occur. Canada Post and CUPW had been expected to continue through the weekend on talks that began last fall. Main issues include wages and benefits, staffing levels, and working conditions. CUPW covers some 50,000 employees. Canada Post has reached a deal with the union to bring in volunteer postal workers to deliver urgent mail, such as social assistance cheques, in case a strike should happen.