Pearl River cancels shareholders meeting amid Canada Post strike chaos
- The federal government plans to intervene in the Canada Post workers' nearly month-long strike due to an impasse in negotiations.
- Approximately 55,000 postal workers began their strike on November 15, 2024, citing management's bad faith in negotiations.
- Union members expressed mixed emotions but hope for future negotiations after the inquiry into the failed contract discussions.
In Canada, on December 12, 2024, workers from Canada Post expressed mixed emotions as the federal government announced plans to end their nearly month-long strike. The action, which began on November 15, involved around 55,000 postal workers who protested against what they felt was insufficient negotiation from Canada Post management. Union members cited frustration and disappointment over the government's intervention, which they viewed as an infringement on workers' rights. They had hoped to reach a fair collective agreement before being compelled to return to work. Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon addressed the media, stating that the negotiations had reached an 'impasse,' prompting government involvement. He proposed that the Canada Industrial Relations Board mandate a return to work while extending the workers' current contracts until May of the following year if an agreement wasn't achieved by the end of December. The ministry's intervention sparked objections from union representatives who expressed belief that management had not been negotiating in good faith. In response to the government's announcement, workers gathered outside a delivery center in east Toronto, noting the cold weather as they discussed the implications of the decision. Postal worker Kirk Gonnsen articulated a sense of disappointment regarding the inability to reach a new deal but acknowledged the need for colleagues to return to work to alleviate financial burdens. Fellow union members echoed this sentiment, voicing their desire for equitable compensation through a new contract. The inquiry into the failed negotiations was seen as a potential avenue for uncovering management's unwillingness to negotiate adequately. Despite the government's involvement, the union members remained hopeful that the inquiry would lead to a positive resolution in the future. They articulated their wish for a contract that reflects the hard work they put into their jobs, which they believe has not been adequately compensated by the current management.