Is the Canadian Postal Service Still on Strike and How It Affects You

The Canadian postal service has been a staple in our daily lives, but what happens when it's on strike? The latest news is that the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) went on strike in 2018, but the strike ended in 2019 after 41 days.

The strike had a significant impact on Canadians, with over 8,000 postal workers participating in the walkout.

Mail delivery was severely disrupted, with many Canadians experiencing delays in receiving their mail and packages.

As a result, Canadians were forced to find alternative ways to send and receive mail, with some opting for private courier services.

Related reading: 2024 Canada Post Strike

Canada Post workers are on strike, and it's causing a big headache for businesses and individuals alike. The strike has brought mail and parcel delivery to a grinding halt, with some post offices even closed.

For small businesses, this is a terrible blow, especially after the port strike in B.C. earlier this year. 80 per cent of the country's small businesses rely on Canada Post for shipping goods, invoicing, and receiving payments.

Broaden your view: Us Canada Border Strike

Canada Post workers are not processing or delivering any mail and parcels as long as the strike lasts. This means that items already in the mail are trapped in storage, and it may take some time for mail service to return to normal even after the strike ends.

Delays are expected to last into January, with a backlog of around 2 million packages and letters. This is a significant issue for retailers who may struggle to get goods out to their end consumers.

Retailers may consider using alternative shipping services like FedEx or UPS, but be warned: mailing parcels could cost 30 to 40 per cent more. This is a significant increase that could impact the bottom line of many businesses.

The Canadian postal service strike is causing significant disruptions to small businesses, with 80 per cent relying on Canada Post for shipping goods, invoicing, and receiving payments.

President of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, Dan Kelly, says the strike is "really bad timing" and a terrible blow to small businesses.

Small businesses are worried about the cost of alternative shipping methods, with one option costing 30 to 40 per cent more than usual.

Retailers are struggling to get goods out to their end consumers due to the strike, and business invoices are being frozen in the mail system, causing cash flow issues.

Canada Post's strike is making it difficult for retailers to receive goods that were previously stuck in ports, which were just starting to get back in operation.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business is advising retailers to consider alternative shipping methods, such as FedEx or UPS, but notes that this may not be a viable option for all businesses.

Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) went on strike on November 15, with about 55,000 postal workers participating.

The strike was sparked by CUPW's demands for wage increases in line with inflation, protections for pregnant and breastfeeding employees, improved benefits, and paid meal and rest period rights.

CUPW had been negotiating with Canada Post for a month, but talks broke down after the employer "sat on" the union's latest offer for five days with no response.

The labour dispute has been ongoing, with the CUPW saying the strike was necessary to fight for workers' rights.

In a recent development, Canadian Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon asked the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to determine if an agreement could be reached before the end of 2024.

The CIRB has since ordered CUPW members to return to work until May 22, 2025, after determining that the two sides were at an impasse.

This decision has been met with disappointment from the CUPW, with national grievance officer Carl Girouard stating that the union would challenge the constitutionality of the labour minister's directive.

A hearing with the CIRB is scheduled for January 13 and 14, 2025, where the CUPW will present its case.

The Canadian postal service is expected to resume operations on Tuesday, Dec. 17, as ordered by the CIRB.

Canada Post has announced that postal operations are set to begin at 8 a.m. local time on that day.

Some CUPW locals, however, have expressed defiance and stated that they won't return to work, despite the federal order.

Despite the strike, mail carriers are still delivering government cheques, including social assistance and pension cheques, which are essential for the well-being of individuals and families across the country.

Canada Post workers walked off the job last Friday, but they reached an agreement with the Crown Corporation to ensure timely delivery of these cheques.

The strike is a dispute over wages, working conditions, the right to retire with dignity, and expansion of services, with 55,000 postal workers participating.

Canada Post has offered the union members an 11.5 per cent wage increase over four years, better pension protections, and measures to protect job security.

The talks between the two sides are ongoing, with a special mediator appointed by the federal government trying to resolve the dispute.

Canada Post lost $490-million in the first six months of this year, and more than $3-billion since 2018, which may be a factor in the ongoing negotiations.

Recommended read: Post Office Packet Service