Title: Canada Post Union to Meet with Ottawa Amid Ongoing Strike

OTTAWA - The union representing striking Canada Post employees is scheduled to meet with the federal minister overseeing the Crown corporation. This meeting comes as the strike enters its second week, with workers picketing after Procurement Minister Joël Lightbound announced significant changes to Canada Post's mandate.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) claims that Ottawa's actions have undermined the collective bargaining process. The union is urging the minister to reverse recent changes that would allow for the end of daily mail delivery, the expansion of community mailboxes, and the closure of some rural post offices.

CUPW argues that these changes threaten the long-term viability of the postal service. They contend that government intervention has not been beneficial during the nearly two-year bargaining process.

In response to the financial difficulties facing Canada Post, the corporation has welcomed the minister's changes. Last week, Canada Post presented new proposals to the union, which the CUPW described as a regression from earlier offers.

The upcoming meeting will be the first in-person discussion between the union and Minister Lightbound. The focus will be on the recent mandate changes and Canada Post's latest proposals, which maintain wage offers but include provisions related to anticipated job cuts.

As the strike continues, the union remains firm in its stance against the government's intervention and is advocating for a resolution that protects the interests of postal workers and the future of Canada Post.