Canada Post Rotating Strikes and Holiday Delivery Challenges
As labor disruptions continue, experts advise businesses relying on Canada Post to enhance customer communication and secure alternative delivery options to navigate the upcoming holiday season smoothly.
Background of the Labor Dispute
Employees of Canada Post, represented by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), have initiated rotating strikes as the holiday delivery peak nears, creating potential challenges for unprepared shippers. Last year, a nationwide strike during the holiday season halted operations due to stalled labor contract negotiations, resulting in widespread delivery delays.
The labor dispute has persisted into 2025 with several measures taken by workers including an overtime ban, suspension of unaddressed direct mail deliveries, and another nationwide strike.
Current Strike Activity and Impact
In recent efforts, CUPW transitioned from a full strike to rotating work stoppages. These stop mail and parcel pickups and deliveries in specific affected areas, disrupting service but allowing operations to continue elsewhere.
- As of Tuesday, strikes are active in Ontario communities such as London and Cobourg.
- Eighteen other locations have experienced rotating strikes since they began in 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," said Canada Post.
Additional Service Interruptions
Employees are also not processing or delivering unaddressed advertising mail in parts of Ontario and Quebec, with exceptions in certain areas, according to CUPW National President Jan Simpson.
"Employees are not processing or delivering unaddressed advertising mail in the Ontario and Quebec regions, excluding certain areas," said Jan Simpson on Monday.
Summary
With ongoing rotating strikes affecting multiple regions and unaddressed mail delivery halted in some areas, shippers must plan ahead to mitigate holiday season disruptions.
Author's Summary
Canada Post’s ongoing rotating strikes threaten holiday deliveries; businesses should focus on communication and alternative delivery methods to minimize disruption.