Canada Post Rotating Strikes: How Shippers Can Limit Holiday Hurdles
Amid ongoing labor disruptions, experts advise businesses relying on Canada Post to focus on clear customer communication and secure multiple delivery options.
Strike Background and Impact
Canada Post employees, represented by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), have initiated rotating strikes as the holiday delivery rush nears. This action risks causing another challenging peak season for shippers who are unprepared.
Last holiday season, a national strike over stalled contract negotiations halted Canada Post operations, resulting in significant delivery delays. The labor dispute has persisted into 2025, with periods of employee overtime bans, suspension of unaddressed direct mail delivery, and additional nationwide strikes.
Current Strike Status
- Last month, CUPW shifted from a full strike to rotating work stoppages that block mail and parcel pickup or delivery in affected areas.
- As of Tuesday, rotating strikes are active in London and Cobourg, Ontario.
- Since October, 18 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," Canada Post stated.
Additionally, CUPW has halted processing and delivery of unaddressed advertising mail in parts of Ontario and Quebec, with some exemptions.
CUPW National President Jan Simpson said, "Employees are also not processing or delivering unaddressed advertising mail in the Ontario and Quebec regions, excluding certain areas."
Recommendations for Shippers
To reduce holiday delivery disruptions, businesses are encouraged to keep customers informed about potential delays and diversify their shipping methods to ensure smoother delivery experiences.
Author's summary: Canada Post's ongoing rotating strikes pose delivery challenges this holiday season; shippers should communicate clearly and use multiple delivery options to mitigate disruptions.