Canada Post Rotating Strikes Impact Holiday Deliveries
Experts advise businesses relying on Canada Post to prioritize clear communication with customers and secure alternative delivery options amid ongoing labor disruptions.
Background of the Strikes
Canada Post employees, represented by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), have initiated rotating strikes as the holiday season approaches. This tactic could disrupt deliveries during a critical peak season for many shippers.
Last year, a nationwide strike during the holiday period occurred due to stalled labor contract negotiations, which caused a halt in Canada Post operations and significant delivery delays.
Current Labor Disputes in 2025
- The contract dispute continues in 2025, with periods of employee overtime bans and stoppages of unaddressed direct mail delivery.
- CUPW replaced the full strike last month with rotating work stoppages that stop mail and parcel pickups and deliveries in selected areas.
- As of Tuesday, strikes are active in London and Cobourg, Ontario, with eighteen other locations affected since October.
"Once the strike is over in a given location, the delivery of mail and parcels will restart as quickly as possible once operations resume," stated Canada Post.
CUPW National President Jan Simpson added, "Employees are also not processing or delivering unaddressed advertising mail in the Ontario and Quebec regions, excluding certain areas."
Advice for Shippers
Businesses are encouraged to plan ahead and consider multiple delivery methods to minimize the impact of the rotating strikes on holiday shipments.
Summary
The ongoing rotating strikes by Canada Post workers threaten holiday delivery schedules, making proactive communication and alternative shipping strategies essential for businesses.