The Canada Post Office Strike: What Shippers Need to Know

Canadian Post Strike Drags On

The Strike and Its Impact on Businesses

On November 15, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) launched the strike, and it has continued to affect businesses across the country. One major point of contention is the dispute over Canada Post’s decision to hire part-time workers for weekend deliveries. While this would provide a more affordable option for customers, the union strongly opposes the plan. According to CUPW president Mark Lubinski, Canada Post is not negotiating in good faith and is waiting for the government to intervene.

For shippers using TLI’s small parcel service, this ongoing strike is something to keep on your radar. Shippers are facing delays, and many businesses report significant financial losses, and loss of sales. Orders are piling up in warehouses, while shipping costs continue to rise when attempting to use alternative courier vendors. The strike is not just a minor inconvenience; it’s a serious challenge to business operations. Companies that rely on the efficiency and reliability of Canada Post are now struggling to meet customer expectations, and have to use the other courier services that are available. In remote regions Canada Post is the only available vendor as it is out of the smaller courier provider's network.

Why Canada Post Workers Are on Strike

The core issues of the strike revolve around wages, working conditions, and Canada Post’s efforts to introduce more flexible work arrangements. The union is calling for fair wages, safer working conditions, and protections for workers’ retirement plans. They also seek expanded postal services across Canada. In contrast, Canada Post has proposed wage hikes above inflation over the next four years but insists on the need for a flexible workforce to provide 7-day delivery service.

Canada Post has been facing significant financial struggles. Since 2018, the company has reported $3 billion in losses, including a $490 million loss in the first half of 2024. To address these financial challenges, Canada Post is looking for long-term solutions. One of these solutions involves increasing parcel processing capacity at its plants and implementing a seven-day-a-week delivery model. However, this requires more affordable and flexible delivery options, including the hiring of temporary workers.

The union’s stance is clear—they want to protect full-time workers' jobs and avoid Canada Post relying on part-time and temporary employees to meet growing demand. The debate over these issues is likely to continue, especially as Canada Post’s losses mount and the need for change becomes more urgent.

The Struggle for Weekend Deliveries

One of the key issues in the strike is Canada Post’s push to offer affordable weekend deliveries. This is an industry standard for many couriers, but according to the union, Canada Post workers must be paid overtime to work on weekends. This has created a significant point of disagreement. The union argues that the company’s plan is not in line with the workers’ collective agreement.



Canada Post has emphasized that a more flexible and affordable weekend delivery model is crucial for the company’s long-term success. With the rise of e-commerce, Canada Post needs to remain competitive with other courier companies. However, the union’s resistance to part-time workers and their demands for fair pay and benefits are complicating the negotiations. The strike is putting the company’s ability to implement these changes in jeopardy, further delaying any resolution.

How Businesses Are Managing the Disruption

As the strike drags on, many businesses are feeling the impact. Inventory is sitting idle in warehouses, and customer orders are delayed. For companies that rely on Canada Post for affordable shipping, the strike is an expensive setback. Some businesses are turning to alternative couriers, but these services often come with higher costs, especially for deliveries to rural areas.



Canada Post’s wide-reaching network has made it an essential service for many businesses. While smaller courier companies have entered the market in recent years, Canada Post is still the most affordable option for many businesses, especially in rural areas where other couriers may not be available. The strike is disrupting this balance, leaving businesses to scramble for solutions.

Can Government Mediation Bring a Resolution?

Last Wednesday, the federally appointed mediator suspended talks between Canada Post and the union. The mediator’s assessment was that the parties were too far apart on critical issues for mediation to be successful at that time. This setback has left many businesses wondering when, or if, a resolution will come.



The union remains firm in its demands for inflationary pay rises and better benefits for workers. They also want Canada Post to halt its use of outside contractors. On the other hand, Canada Post is focused on creating a more flexible workforce to ensure seven-day delivery services and maintain competitiveness in the evolving delivery landscape. For now, it’s unclear how these two sides will find common ground.

As the Canada Post office strike continues, businesses relying on small parcel delivery services face significant disruptions. Delays, increased shipping costs, and inventory backups are just some of the challenges that shippers are dealing with. While many are looking to alternative couriers, the ongoing conflict at Canada Post highlights the need for a long-term solution.

It’s important for shippers to stay informed and plan for potential delays. The strike may be dragging on, but it’s clear that negotiations are still ongoing. The key for shippers is to remain adaptable and ready for whatever changes come next in this complex situation.