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OTTAWA - The announcement of a new Canada Post President and Chief Executive Officer comes at a time when negotiations are underway with its largest union, CUPW. The union is hoping the new boss will mean some positive changes to the way things are being done.



"We have requested a meeting with Deepak Chopra to introduce ourselves and highlight some key concerns," said Denis Lemelin, National President of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers. "We think the corporation needs a management that understands that Canada Post is, first and foremost, a public service. It also needs a management that is willing to sit down with the union and solve problems."



Canada Post has demanded a large number of concessions at the urban operations bargaining table. It is also implementing a controversial modernization program that has negatively affected services, jobs, and health and safety for workers across the country. While declining mail volumes are being cited as a reason for pushing these changes, postal workers are hoping the new CEO will consider all the options.



"Service expansion needs to be part of this discussion," said Lemelin. Canada Post could expand the services it provides to the population and generate the revenue it needs for the future. It could add banking, expand parcel delivery, extend door-to-door delivery and increase retail services.



"The corporation has recently made some small moves in this direction but it could be doing much more. Other postal administrations around the world are dramatically expanding services and we would like to see Canada Post take this positive direction."