**Canada Post Union Criticizes Latest Contract Offer** The union representing Canada Post workers has expressed strong discontent with the Crown corporation's latest contract proposal, labeling it a "major step backwards." In a statement issued on Friday, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) accused Canada Post of undermining the collective bargaining process. The union stated, "We waited 45 days for offers that are worse than what we rejected in August. Canada Post must have known that there is no way we can accept these and is clearly wasting even more time." On the same day, Canada Post presented a new offer that included many elements from its previous proposals made in May. This offer features a 13.59 percent compounded wage increase over four years but omits a signing bonus and introduces provisions related to anticipated job cuts. Last week, the federal government announced plans to overhaul Canada Post, which include ending daily mail delivery, closing some rural post offices, and transitioning most homes to community mailboxes. Canada Post has endorsed these changes, stating they are necessary to improve the financial stability of the service. Lisa Liu, a spokeswoman for Canada Post, commented, "Canada Post’s new offers are within the limit of what the Corporation can afford while maintaining good jobs and benefits for employees over the long-term." The corporation also indicated plans to provide voluntary departure incentives to help mitigate potential layoffs. In response to the proposed changes, the CUPW has declared a nationwide strike. The union noted that it will require time to thoroughly review the more than 500 pages of the latest contract offers. As the situation develops, both sides remain at an impasse, with the union advocating for better terms while Canada Post seeks to implement necessary reforms amid financial challenges.