OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 06/10/11 -- The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Canada's Labour Minister, met with Jacques Cote, Chief Operating Officer of Canada Post and Denis Lemelin, National President of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) - Urban Operations Unit, to call on them to reconcile their differences and find common ground for a settlement.
"I am requesting a sign of good will from both parties to immediately suspend the cost reduction measures and the rotating strike measures that have been taken lately by Canada Post and CUPW - Urban Operations Unit," said Minister Raitt. "I urge the parties to focus on the task at hand and reach a prompt agreement."
The collective agreement covering a unit of approximately 50,000 postal workers expired on January 31, 2011. Negotiations between Canada Post and CUPW - Urban Operations Unit started in October 2010. The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service is assisting both parties in their negotiations.
"Eight days have gone by since CUPW began strike action. Canadians and businesses are starting to feel the impact," added Minister Raitt. "I remind the parties that the best solution in any dispute is one that the parties reach themselves."
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.
This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
Contacts:
Ashley Kelahear
Special Assistant, Media Relations
Office of Minister Raitt
819-953-5646
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
