Canada Post Rotating Strikes: Limiting Holiday Delivery Disruptions
With labor unrest continuing, experts advise businesses relying on Canada Post to maintain transparent communication with customers and secure alternative shipping methods. The situation arises as rotating strikes by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) affect operations during the pre-holiday period.
Background on the Labor Dispute
Canada Post, the government-owned postal service, faces ongoing contract negotiations with CUPW. Similar tensions led to a nationwide strike last year, halting operations and causing extensive delivery delays across the country. The labor dispute remains unresolved in 2025, sparking intermittent actions such as overtime bans and interruptions in unaddressed mail deliveries.
Rotating Strikes and Current Impact
In October, CUPW replaced the full strike with localized rotating stoppages. These targeted actions disrupt mail pickup and delivery in specific regions while allowing partial continuity elsewhere.
“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.
As of Tuesday, strikes were active in the Ontario communities of London and Cobourg, with eighteen other locations previously affected since early October.
Regional Service Limitations
According to CUPW National President Jan Simpson, employees are currently not processing or delivering unaddressed advertising mail in several areas of Ontario and Quebec, though some regions are excluded from these restrictions.
Business Guidance
- Keep customers informed of possible delays.
- Prepare backup delivery options through other carriers.
- Monitor Canada Post service updates closely during strikes.
Author’s Summary
Continued Canada Post labor unrest highlights the importance of proactive communication and flexible logistics for businesses heading into the busy holiday season.