It is happening once again: Canada Post’s workers will be striking.
Just recently, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), which represents 55,000 postal workers, delivered a 72-hour strike notice to Canada Post. Operations are slated to be completely ceased by the week’s end. When Friday rolls around, don’t expect any packages or letters to come via Canada’s Crown-run postal service.
THE SECOND STRIKE
This strike comes less than six months after the last one in 2024. It was during the busy Christmas season that Canada Post postal workers took to the picket line. From November 15 to December 17, 2024, Canadians were without Canada Post’s services, and without a number of important deliveries.
While this included incoming Christmas gifts from across the country, it also encompassed things like Service Canada and their distribution of passports, of which there were approximately 215,000 that were delayed.
The CUPW had a number of demands, including wage increases and enhanced benefits.
This time, the CUPW says that their continued bargains have yielded no results, hence the upcoming strike. They are demanding fair wages, as well as safe working conditions and public post offices expanding their services.
WHAT ABOUT MY DELIVERIES?
Like with most Canada Post worker strikes, plenty of people will be affected by the work stoppage. Many people and businesses rely on Canada Post’s services, as around 300 million parcels and two billion letters are handled and delivered by them.
If you are one of the folks who use Canada Post regularly, or plan on using them, then it should be noted that Canada post will not be accepting new items until the strike’s end. Items that are already in the system will not be delivered, but instead “secured.”
Things like social assistance cheques and live animals will be delivered, though. But, no new animals will be accepted once the strike begins.
The Crown corporation is well-known for operating at a loss. In fact, they’ve been operating at a $845 million loss as of 2023.
It is unknown how long this strike will last, and if Canada Post and CUPW will be able to come to an agreement.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for more updates as they come.
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