Canada Post employees in Brighton joined workers nationwide on the picket lines Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, after negotiations with their employer failed. /Sarah Hyatt/MBC
Canada Post workers have been legislated back to work following intervention by the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) and federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon.
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from labour leaders and supporters of postal workers.
Northumberland Labour Council President Dan Tobin expressed outrage, accusing the Liberal government and Canada Post of violating the Charter rights of CUPW members. “Enough is enough!
Tobin says the government is violating workers’ rights.
The message should be loud and clear that any politician across Canada will not get away with turning a blind eye to workers’ rights,” Tobin said in a statement.
Tobin condemned the move, saying it undermines workers’ rights.
The Labour Council also voiced admiration for the efforts of postal workers, commending their resilience on the picket lines as they fight for fair wages, safer working conditions, and a stronger public postal system.
Tobin says it’s different than 2018 but says it’s still a violation of workers’ rights.
Tobin called on the community to maintain pressure on Canada Post to ensure a fair agreement. “Postal workers have made vast sacrifices, and their fight represents a broader struggle for good jobs and dignity in the workplace,” he added.
The CUPW has been advocating for a living wage, improved safety measures, and retirement security. The back-to-work legislation signals the end of the strike but leaves unresolved tensions over workers’ rights and fair treatment.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
