Canada Post Rotating Strikes Impact Holiday Deliveries
As labor disruptions continue, businesses relying on Canada Post should focus on clear communication with customers and securing alternative delivery options, experts advise. Members of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) are engaging in rotating strikes ahead of the holiday rush, which may cause significant delivery challenges for unprepared shippers.
Background of the Labor Dispute
Last holiday season, a national strike by Canada Post employees halted operations and delayed deliveries due to stalled contract negotiations. The dispute has extended into 2025, triggering periods of overtime bans, suspension of unaddressed direct mail deliveries, and additional strikes nationwide.
Current Strike Situation
Last month, CUPW shifted from a full strike to rotating work stoppages, affecting mail and parcel pickup or delivery in specific areas. As of Tuesday, strikes are in effect in London and Cobourg, Ontario, with eighteen other communities having experienced rotating strikes 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," said Canada Post.
Advertising Mail Impact
CUPW National President Jan Simpson reported employees are not processing or delivering unaddressed advertising mail in Ontario and Quebec, except for some areas.
Practical Advice for Shippers
- Maintain open communication with customers regarding potential delays.
- Arrange multiple delivery options beyond Canada Post.
- Plan shipments earlier to accommodate possible disruptions.
Author's summary: The ongoing rotating strikes by Canada Post workers threaten holiday deliveries, urging businesses to communicate clearly with customers and explore backup shipping methods to reduce delays.