Canada Post Rotating Strikes: How Shippers Can Limit Holiday Hurdles
Amid ongoing labor disruptions, businesses relying on Canada Post should focus on clear customer communication and securing multiple delivery options, experts advised. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), representing Canada Post employees, has launched rotating strikes as the busy holiday season approaches, potentially causing significant delivery delays for unprepared shippers.
Background of the Labor Dispute
Last holiday season, a national strike by Canada Post workers halted operations due to stalled contract negotiations, resulting in widespread delivery delays. The dispute continued into 2025, with intermittent overtime bans, delivery stoppages of unaddressed direct mail, and further strike actions.
Current Strike Actions
In October, CUPW shifted from a full strike to rotating work stoppages, which block mail and parcel pick-ups and deliveries in selected areas. As of Tuesday, strikes are active in London and Cobourg, Ontario, with eighteen other communities having experienced rotating strikes since they began.
"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.
Effect on Advertising Mail
Employees have also ceased processing and delivering unaddressed advertising mail in Ontario and Quebec, excluding certain regions, according to CUPW National President Jan Simpson.
Key Points for Shippers
- Prioritize proactive communication with customers about potential delays.
- Arrange alternative delivery methods to mitigate strike impacts.
- Stay informed on strike locations to adjust shipping strategies promptly.
Author's summary: Navigating Canada Post’s rotating strikes requires shippers to plan ahead with better communication and backup delivery options to avoid holiday season disruptions.