More than 1,000 Canada Post workers protest in front of Trudeau's Montreal office

More than 1,000 Canada Postworkers protested Saturdayin front of PrimeMinister Justin Trudeau'sPapineauriding office in Montreal in an effort to kick start stalled negotiations over a new collective agreement.

The protest began around1 p.m. atSaint-AlphonsePark, near the intersectionSt. Denis Street and Crmazie Boulevard, before making its way toTrudeau's office.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) is accusing the Crown corporation of dragging its heels in the negotiations.

"It's moving forward very slowly, and there has been no response on the important issues,"Lise-LyneGlineau, president of the union's Montreal chapter. "That's why we're addressing the prime minister."

• Canada Post backs away from lockout threat hours before deadline

Federal mediators trying to assist

The federal government said Saturdayit supports a fair and balanced collective bargaining process, and that itis trying to bring the two sides closer together.

"We believe workers have the right to express their points of view through various peaceful means, such as this rally," a government spokesperson said in anemailedstatement.

"Federal mediators have been assisting the parties throughout their negotiations, and continue to do."

The union wants higher wages, particularly for rural workers, and is opposed to proposed changes to the pension plan.Workers are also looking for an expansion of services in package delivery and banking.

Management has warned the unionits demands could cost as much as $1 billion. Union members argue that Canada Post has been the source of more than $1 billion in government revenues over the past 20years.

Lockout threat

In July, Canada Post issued a lockout notice to workers, which was later withdrawn when the two sides returned to the bargaining table.

But since thenlittleprogress has been made on keys issues like pensionplans and pay equity, Glineausaid.

She saidthe Trudeau government advocates for gender equality and pension plan improvements and should hold Canada Post to the same standard.

The CUPW saysthe Crown corporation refuses to enforcelaws on pay equity and instead wantsto increase precarious employment.

They fear the lockout threat could resurfaceifno agreement is reached bylate August.

• Postal dispute raises fears of what users could lose: Don Pittis