In a wide-ranging interview on Tuesday night, Jean-Yves Duclos, the Minister responsible for Canada Post, who heads up the Department of Public Service and Procurement Canada, discussed our ongoing strike and the future of Canada Post with the CBC’s Power and Politics show host, David Cochrane. The Minister told Mr. Cochrane that the service first mandate “will not change” and that includes “serving every Canadian where they live including northern and remote areas.” He also said that parcel delivery was increasing “at a very high speed” which is “good news” for Canada Post.
The segment about Canada Post featured a clip of Doug Ettinger fearmongering about the competition. While the Minister repeated some of Canada Post’s talking points, much of his message seemed to be in line with CUPW’s position: a far more positive vision about the future of our public postal service:
The Minister was critical of Canada Post’s management:
“The Executive need to be supportive of the evolution of Canada Post, not only for the customers…. but also, for the workers, we want the workers to have stable and good jobs for the future.”
Minister Duclos emphasized that the mandate of Canada Post is one of service first and as such said the Government recognizes Canada Post as a service not a for profit business.
“They need to serve Canadians in a social and economic context which differs from what private companies would otherwise do. That we acknowledge.”
Mr. Duclos underscored that he wanted the parties “to work even harder to find a negotiated collective agreement.”
It seems like the Minister might have been sending a message to Canada Post Management. We hope Canada Post’s Board hears the message and tells their negotiators to stop their assault on good, stable jobs.
Our message to the Minister is: We are working as hard as we can but the Crown Corporation that reports to you is out of line with your message. It is following Mr. Ettinger’s message. We cannot bargain with ourselves.
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In Solidarity,
Jan Simpson
National President
2023 – 2027 Bulletin #165