Canada Post Rotating Strikes and Holiday Shipping Challenges
As labor unrest continues, experts urge businesses that rely on Canada Post to keep customers informed and diversify delivery methods ahead of the busy holiday season.
Ongoing Labor Disruptions
Canada Post employees, represented by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), are carrying out rotating strikes as the year-end delivery surge approaches. The move mirrors last year's nationwide strike that halted mail operations during holiday demand peaks.
The labor dispute over new contracts has persisted into 2025, resulting in intermittent measures such as overtime bans, pauses on unaddressed direct mail, and multiple local work stoppages.
Scope and Impact of the Strikes
According to the carrier, active strikes are currently taking place in the Ontario communities of London and Cobourg, while eighteen other locations have already experienced similar disruptions since early 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,” Canada Post said.
Union Statements
CUPW National President Jan Simpson noted that workers are also refraining from processing or delivering unaddressed advertising mail in Ontario and Quebec, with certain regional exceptions.
Business Strategy Recommendations
- Communicate anticipated delays clearly to customers.
- Arrange backup shipping methods through alternative carriers.
- Monitor strike updates to adjust logistics in real time.
Author’s Summary
Ongoing rotating strikes at Canada Post threaten timely deliveries during the holiday season, prompting experts to urge proactive communication and diversified shipping plans.