Canada Post rotating strikes: How shippers can limit holiday hurdles

Canada Post Rotating Strikes and Their Impact on Holiday Deliveries

Canada Post employees, represented by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), are conducting rotating strikes as the holiday delivery season nears. This action threatens to disrupt the peak shipping period for businesses relying on the carrier.

Background of Labor Disruptions

Last year, a nationwide strike shut down Canada Post operations during the holidays due to stalled labor contract negotiations, causing significant delivery delays. The dispute has persisted into 2025, leading to several labor actions including overtime bans, halts in unaddressed direct mail delivery, and additional strikes.

Current Strike Details

Since October, rotating strikes have struck 20 locations, with ongoing actions in London and Cobourg, Ontario.
Rotating strikes suspend the pickup and delivery of mail and parcels in affected regions temporarily.

"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.

Unaddressed Advertising Mail Suspension

CUPW National President Jan Simpson noted that workers are not processing or delivering unaddressed advertising mail in parts of Ontario and Quebec, except for some designated areas.

Expert Recommendations for Shippers

Amid these labor challenges, experts advise businesses to prioritize clear communication with customers and secure alternative delivery options to reduce holiday shipping disruptions.

"Businesses using the carrier should prioritize customer communication while securing multiple delivery options," experts said.

Summary

The ongoing rotating strikes by Canada Post employees could disrupt holiday deliveries significantly, urging shippers to proactively manage customer expectations and delivery strategies.

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Supply Chain Dive — 2025-11-06