Canada Post Rotating Strikes and Holiday Delivery Challenges
As labor disruptions continue, businesses relying on Canada Post are advised to focus on clear customer communication and explore multiple delivery options to avoid holiday setbacks.
Strike Background and Impact
Employees of Canada Post, represented by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), have implemented rotating strikes ahead of the busy holiday delivery period. This labor action threatens to disrupt the seasonal peak for shippers unprepared for delays.
Last year, a national strike during the holiday season halted Canada Post operations due to stalled contract negotiations. This caused widespread delivery delays.
The labor dispute persists into 2025, with ongoing overtime bans, a halt to unaddressed direct mail delivery, and additional national strikes. To reduce the severity, CUPW shifted last month from a full strike to rotating work stoppages, affecting mail and parcel pickup and delivery in specific regions.
Current Strike Locations and Effects
- As of Tuesday, strikes are active in London and Cobourg, Ontario.
- Since October, eighteen other locations have experienced rotating strikes.
"Once the strike is over in a given location, the delivery of mail and parcels will restart as quickly as possible once operations resume," said Canada Post.
Suspension of Unaddressed Advertising Mail
The employees are not processing or delivering unaddressed advertising mail in most areas of Ontario and Quebec, with some exceptions.
CUPW National President Jan Simpson stated Monday: "Employees are also not processing or delivering unaddressed advertising mail in the Ontario and Quebec regions, excluding certain areas."
Recommendations for Shippers
- Prioritize regular updates to customers about potential delivery delays.
- Secure alternative shipping or delivery methods where possible.
- Monitor strike activity in affected communities closely.
Summary
Ongoing rotating strikes by Canada Post workers ahead of the holiday season are causing delivery interruptions, urging businesses to adapt their shipping strategies and maintain clear communication with customers.