Wages kept low due to bidding process: CUPW
Members of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) that deliver parcels and shuttle mail in Cape Breton Regional Municipality started a legal strike early on Aug. 8.
The work stoppage comes after their employer Nor-Pel — a contractor for Canada Post — didn’t meet with the union to bargain a first contract. The workers are making just above minimum wage, with no pension or other benefits, according to CUPW.
Customers of Canada Post should expect that no parcels will be delivered in Sydney, North Sydney, New Waterford or Glace Bay. Mail delivery will also be heavily impacted, said the union.
Canada Post utilizes contractors like Nor-Pel to keep wages low, said the union.
Contracts with Canada Post are bid on every three to five years and are awarded to the lowest bidder. Contracts change hands often, but the incoming contractor hires the experienced drivers of the previous contractor to save on training costs, according to CUPW.
