Postal Deregulation: CUPW Consistency vs CPC Confusion

The most important issue currently being examined by the Canada Post Corporation Strategic Review is postal deregulation. Canada Post Corporation now has an “exclusive privilege” to handle letters in Canada. This is crucial so that CPC can provide high quality postal services in all regions at an affordable price.

Some other countries have already deregulated their postal services with very negative consequences for the public and postal workers. In the past both CUPW and CPC management have taken strong positions against postal deregulation.

Because this is such a crucial issue it was very important that both CUPW and Canada Post Corporation once again make very strong arguments in favour of maintaining the exclusive privilege. CUPW did just that. We devoted 46 pages of our submission noting the problems associated with deregulation and making a strong case for continuing the exclusive privilege. Our position was totally consistent with the position we took before the 1996 Canada Post Corporation Mandate Review.

What was the position of CPC? You be the judge!

 

CPC Inconsistent and Confused on Deregulation

Initially in its submission CPC management makes some very good arguments for the continuation of the exclusive privilege. Management’s submission states “The contribution of the reserved market to the provision of universal and affordable postal service is essential.”

Sounds good.

But the very next statement in their brief reads as follows: “Canada Post is not against market liberalization.”

Management then goes on to argue that deregulation should only be delayed until CPC can adjust to a liberalized market. The two primary changes necessary for this adjustment are the introduction of the new technology associated with the “Modern Post” and government intervention to force changes in the CUPW collective agreement. In other words, for CPC management, deregulation is now OK as long as the government attacks the workers and lowers labour costs first.

Before the 1996 Mandate Review CPC management was totally opposed to deregulation. Now they just want to delay it for a while even though they still say the exclusive privilege is essential to the provision of universal and affordable postal service. Confused? Inconsistent? You be the judge.

 

Read the Submissions

All members should take the time to read the submissions of both CUPW and CPC. Judge for yourself who is defending your interests and who has a vision of the future.