On August 14, 2021, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) announced the ratification of a new collective agreement with Canada Post Corporation on behalf of the Frontline Bargaining (FB) unit. This agreement is a significant victory for the FB unit, which is responsible for the processing and delivery of letters and parcels across Canada.
The ratification of this agreement comes after months of negotiations and bargaining between CUPW and Canada Post, which were often tense and acrimonious. However, both parties ultimately came to a comprehensive agreement that addresses a wide range of issues, including wages, job security, benefits, and working conditions.
Under the new agreement, FB employees will receive a wage increase of 2.5% per year for the duration of the agreement, which runs from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2022. Additionally, the agreement includes provisions that will protect the job security of FB workers, limit the use of temporary employees, and create new opportunities for career advancement.
One of the most significant changes under the new agreement is the expansion of the “right to disconnect” for FB employees. This means that workers will have the right to disconnect from work-related technology, such as emails and phone calls, outside of their scheduled work hours. This provision is intended to help reduce stress and improve work-life balance for FB employees.
The new agreement also includes improvements to health and safety provisions, including the creation of a new Joint National Health and Safety Committee and additional training for supervisors and employees. The agreement also provides for increased benefits for employees on sick leave and a new benefit for workers who experience a catastrophic injury at work.
Overall, the ratification of this new collective agreement is a significant win for FB workers and a positive development for Canada’s postal system. With improved working conditions, job security, and benefits, FB employees can continue to deliver high-quality postal services to Canadians across the country.
