Over 55,000 Canada Post workers may strike Friday, halting mail delivery nationwide amid contract disputes and financial challenges.
Canada Post is bracing for a nationwide work stoppage as more than 55,000 unionized employees plan to strike this Friday. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) issued a formal 72-hour strike notice on Monday, setting the stage for a potential shutdown in operations—just six months after the last disruption.
If the strike proceeds, Canadians could see a halt in mail and parcel delivery, affecting both households and businesses that rely on Canada Post’s network, which annually handles more than two billion letters and 300 million parcels.
Essential Deliveries Only During Disruption
In a statement, Canada Post announced that it would not accept new items for delivery during the strike period. Parcels and letters already in transit would be secured but undelivered. Only social assistance cheques and live animals will be delivered—though no new animals will be accepted.
The company warned that the service interruption would exacerbate its already dire financial standing. “It’s disappointing. It’s just going to increase the level of concern for our employees, small businesses, charities, people who are counting on Canada Post,” said spokesman Jon Hamilton.
Union Cites Employer Actions as Cause
According to CUPW, the strike notice comes in part as a response to the employer’s recent indications that it may unilaterally alter working conditions and suspend benefits. The union emphasized that their objective remains securing fair new contracts for the 23,000 mail carriers and other employees represented.
“There is still time to return to the bargaining table,” the union stated, highlighting that the previous strike ended only after federal intervention prompted both parties to resume negotiations.
A Company in Crisis
The looming strike comes at a time when Canada Post is under intense scrutiny. In 2023, the corporation posted an $845-million operating loss, raising concerns about the long-term viability of its business model. A federally commissioned report released last week did not mince words: “Canada Post is facing an existential crisis.”
The 162-page report, led by William Kaplan, recommends phasing out daily residential letter mail delivery and lifting moratoriums on rural post office closures and community mailbox conversions. The intent is to restructure the organization and stop the financial hemorrhaging.
Union Pushback on Postal Reform Plan
The union has strongly rejected the report’s conclusions, accusing the panel of ignoring public and stakeholder feedback. “The report simply regurgitates Canada Post’s proposals and positions,” said CUPW spokeswoman Siân Griffiths.
With negotiations hanging in the balance, Canadians face uncertainty over the continuity of their national postal service.
Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for the latest on this developing story.
