Canada Post rotating strikes: How shippers can limit holiday hurdles

Canada Post Rotating Strikes Affect Holiday Deliveries

Labor disruptions at Canada Post are causing concerns for businesses relying on the carrier, especially as the holiday delivery season approaches. Experts advise shippers to enhance communication with customers and arrange multiple delivery options to mitigate potential delays.

Background on the Labor Dispute

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), representing Canada Post employees, has implemented rotating strikes this season. This follows a national strike during last year’s holiday period, which halted operations and caused significant delivery delays due to stalled labor contract negotiations.

The ongoing contract dispute in 2025 has resulted in various labor actions, including employee overtime bans, suspension of unaddressed direct mail delivery, and nationwide strikes.

Current Strike Actions and Impact

Last month, CUPW shifted from a full strike to rotating work stoppages, where mail and parcels are not picked up or delivered in specific affected areas. As of early November, strikes are active in Ontario communities such as London and Cobourg, with 18 other locations having experienced these actions since October began.

"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.

Additionally, employees are not processing or delivering unaddressed advertising mail in parts of Ontario and Quebec, with some exceptions, according to CUPW National President Jan Simpson.

Advice for Shippers

Author’s Summary

The ongoing Canada Post rotating strikes threaten holiday deliveries, prompting shippers to adopt proactive communication and multiple delivery options to reduce disruption risks.

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