Postal worker negotiations in Canada have reached a new level. The Countdown step has begun to a possible strike. Here is the timeline as of today:

Before any Strike (or lockout) can happen in Canada between the Postal Union and Canada Post, steps must be followed as per the Canada Labor Code:

1)     What is known as the “Countdown” does not even begin until either side decides negotiations (which have no time limit) are going nowhere. That side would give a “Notice of Dispute” to Minister of Labor.
2)     The Minister then has 15 days to appoint a conciliator to assist in reaching an agreement.
(Done and completed as of August 13th)
3)     The Conciliator then has 60 days (2 months) to reach an agreement unless each side sees movement and they can agree together to extend this process as long as they want. (Earliest this can happen is October 12th)
4)     After the Conciliation process is completed without an agreement, either side must wait 21 days until they either strike (Union side) or have a lockout (Management side). This 21 day cooling off period ends November 2nd (unless #3 is extended)

The earliest the Union could strike (or management could lock out workers) is November 3rd

Did you know that Canada Post offers multiple options for your company to customize the indica being printed on their Canadian mail pieces?  Give us a call for more details and emailed templates.

Canada Post has a slight variance on envelope sealing, so be extra careful not to incur a surcharge here.  A variance of 25mm (1 inch) can be handled on machineable mail through the machines.  If it goes any further along than that and the flap is not sealed, you could be looking at a per piece additional charger for your entire mailing.  Make sure to try and seal the entire length of the flap to avoid this probability.

Let us know if you have any specific questions on this!

* Post Offices will be closed on National, Provincial & Territorial Holidays.

* When a holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, it may be applied to the next business day. These are the observed days off.