The union representing 55,000 Canada Post workers has announced it will end its Canada-wide strike action and move to rotating strikes starting this weekend. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers says the change will 'start mail and parcels moving.' Photo: CBC News
Mail delivery is set to resume across Canada next week, but uncertainty still looms. Canada Post confirmed Friday that it will restart operations as postal workers transition from a nationwide strike to rotating strikes beginning this weekend.
The Crown corporation said it “will welcome back employees represented by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW)” starting Saturday. However, the postal agency warned that “instability in service will continue” as the union continues its job action.
Partial Return, Lingering Delays
In a statement, Canada Post said preparations are underway to ensure a “safe and orderly restart” of national operations. Service guarantees, however, remain suspended as long as strike activity continues.
Rotating strikes are scheduled to begin at 6 a.m. local time on Saturday, with different regions affected at different times. CUPW said the move aims to get “mail and parcels moving again” while keeping pressure on the employer.
“We didn’t take the decision to strike nationwide lightly,” the union said. “Postal workers would rather be delivering mail, not walking off the job. But without progress toward fair agreements, action was necessary.”
Negotiations at a Standstill
The decision follows a meeting between CUPW representatives and the federal minister responsible for Canada Post earlier this week. Talks have dragged on for more than 18 months without a new collective agreement.
This latest strike marks the second nationwide walkout since last year, as tensions escalate over government-proposed reforms to the postal service. Ottawa’s restructuring plan includes ending home mail delivery in many areas and closing select rural outlets — measures officials say are essential to stabilize the debt-ridden corporation.
Canada Post, which last reported a profit in 2017, posted a $1.3-billion loss last year and projects losses could reach $1.5 billion in 2025. It is currently operating with a $1-billion government loan.
CUPW, however, disputes the severity of those figures, accusing Canada Post of overstating its financial troubles to justify cutbacks. The postal agency has not commented publicly on those claims.
Union Pushes Back Against Cuts
Union leaders have vowed to fight Ottawa’s reform plan, warning it would drastically reduce services for Canadians.
“They’re cutting the arms and legs off this institution,” CUPW national president Jan Simpson said. “The postal service Canadians rely on will no longer exist in the same way. People need to speak up — call your MP, contact your city council, and defend your mail service.”
Labour expert Rafael Gomez, from the University of Toronto, noted that the union faces a tough balancing act.
“If the strike isn’t disruptive, it loses leverage,” Gomez explained. “But if it’s too disruptive, the public suffers — and the union risks losing support. It’s a delicate line to walk.”
Rotating Strikes Could Cause Uneven Delays
CUPW warned Canadians to expect delivery delays in some areas. Under the rotating strike system, postal employees in various regions will take turns walking off the job.
“Different people will be off work at different times,” said a union spokesperson. “This will continue until we reach a collective agreement — or until the union decides to escalate action.”
Canada Post Response to Negotiations
In a separate statement, Canada Post said it’s ready to return to the bargaining table. The corporation has been waiting for a response from CUPW since its latest offer, presented on October 3.
That offer included a 13.59% wage increase over four years, extended health and retirement benefits, and up to seven weeks of vacation. However, it removed the signing bonus previously included in earlier proposals.
CUPW rejected the offer, calling it a “step backward” for workers. The union maintains that it wants a fair contract that protects wages, benefits, and service quality.
Meanwhile, Canada Post insists reforms are crucial for long-term survival.
“The need to align our operations with the country’s current postal needs, and to reduce dependency on taxpayer dollars, grows more urgent with each passing day,” the company said.
For now, mail delivery is coming back — but Canadians should expect it to move slower than usual, with no clear end in sight to the ongoing labour dispute.
