OTTAWA — Canada Post plans to present new offers to the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) in an effort to advance stalled contract negotiations. The Crown corporation announced that these new terms will facilitate a return to the bargaining table next week.

The negotiations have been ongoing for nearly two years, with significant tensions between the two parties. In early August, CUPW members rejected what Canada Post described as its final offer. In response, the union submitted its own proposal, which Canada Post deemed unworkable and a step backward.

Canada Post has expressed its desire for the union to provide a more feasible solution. However, since no such proposal has been forthcoming, the postal service has decided to introduce new global offers. The aim is to find common ground on critical issues, including weekend delivery.

In addition to the new offers, Canada Post has requested that the union lift a ban on delivering flyers that was implemented on Monday. This ban was part of the union's strategy to exert pressure during negotiations.

Labour experts have noted that it remains uncertain whether Canada Post's latest move will effectively resolve the ongoing dispute. Stephanie Ross, a labour studies professor at McMaster University, commented, "It seems to me the flyer ban has actually had its desired effect: to get the employer focused on counterproposals."

Brock University labour studies professor Larry Savage added that Canada Post's actions could be interpreted in different ways. "I think Canada Post’s latest move could be read two ways: as an olive branch to get the parties back on track, or as an attempt to regain control of the bargaining agenda. The devil is always in the details."

The union has attributed the stalled negotiations to both Canada Post and the federal government, claiming that both parties have hindered progress. The ongoing dispute has led to significant disruptions, including a month-long strike last year.

As the situation develops, both sides are expected to engage in discussions next week, with hopes of reaching a resolution that satisfies the needs of the postal workers and the operational requirements of Canada Post.