Canada Post Rotating Strikes: Managing Holiday Disruptions
As Canada Post faces labor unrest, experts advise businesses to maintain transparency with customers and secure alternative shipping options ahead of the busy holiday season. Employees represented by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) have begun rotating strikes, echoing last year’s nationwide stoppage that stalled deliveries and crippled operations.
Background of the Dispute
The labor conflict between Canada Post and CUPW continues in 2025 following stalled contract negotiations. Over the past year, the union has imposed different measures, including a ban on overtime, halting deliveries of unaddressed advertising mail, and initiating several nationwide 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 said.
Current Strike Activity
As of Tuesday, rotating strikes remain active in the Ontario communities of London and Cobourg. Since early October, eighteen other locations have been affected. CUPW National President Jan Simpson also noted that workers in Ontario and Quebec are not processing or delivering unaddressed advertising mail, with a few regional exceptions.
Impact on Businesses
- Delays in mail and parcel deliveries across affected regions.
- Increased pressure on alternative carriers during the holiday season.
- Ongoing uncertainty for companies reliant on direct mail marketing.
Recommendations for Shippers
- Communicate delays proactively to customers.
- Diversify shipping methods by partnering with multiple delivery providers.
- Plan inventory and order fulfillment timelines with potential service interruptions in mind.
Author’s Summary: Canada Post’s rotating strikes are adding complexity to holiday logistics, forcing businesses to adapt quickly through transparency and diversified delivery solutions.