An independent report released this week has backed Canada Post in its tough negotiations with the CUPW union, calling the company essentially bankrupt.

The report, prepared by Commissioner William Kaplan, recommends cutting daily door-to-door mail delivery, allowing part-time workers and ending a moratorium on rural branch closures. The goal is to stop losses from mounting.

Kaplan blamed the union for the stalled negotiations, saying the CUPW was “stubbornly clinging to the status quo.” Experts say the report is clearly biased in favor of the employer and will leave workers with a tough choice.

The union strongly disagrees with the recommendations, saying they threaten to cut services and employee rights. Meanwhile, negotiations have stalled, with strike action possible from May 22.

Canada Post says the report will help develop a sustainable strategy, but the union insists compromise is only possible with real concessions from both sides.