Statement by the Honourable MaryAnn Mihychuk, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour

GATINEAU, QC, July 5, 2016 /CNW/ - I have received a notice that Canada Post intends to change the terms of employment of its employees represented by the Canadian Union Postal Workers as of Friday, July 8.

I encourage both parties to continue their discussions, and I remain hopeful that an agreement can be reached by the parties. Federal mediators are assisting the parties in their negotiations.

Our government supports a fair and balanced collective bargaining process.

In the event of a work stoppage, the Government of Canada has contingency plans in place. If a work stoppage occurs it will impact the way we deliver services to Canadians. We will continue to provide people with services and benefits.

Canadians are encouraged to visit Canada.ca for more information. The website will be regularly updated with relevant information.

I will continue to closely monitor the situation.

Quick Facts

• The parties are negotiating the renewal of two collective agreements. The first collective agreement covers a unit of approximately 8,000 rural and suburban mail carriers and expired on December 31, 2015. The second collective agreement covers a unit of approximately 42,000 urban operations employees and expired on January 31, 2016.
• On April 11, 2016, two conciliation officers were assigned to assist the parties in their negotiations. They met several times with the parties between April 14 and May 27. The parties were released from the conciliation process on June 10, 2016.
• The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service was established to provide dispute resolution and dispute prevention assistance to trade unions and employers under the jurisdiction of the Canada Labour Code.

Associated Links

Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service
Canada.ca

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SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada

For further information: John O'Leary, Director of Communications, Office of the Honourable MaryAnn Mihychuk, P.C., M.P., Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, 819-654-5611; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [e-mail]