
A Canada Post strike in 2024 will likely have a significant impact on mail delivery across the country.
Many Canadians rely on timely mail delivery for important documents, bills, and packages.
The strike will affect not only residential mail but also business-to-business mail, impacting companies that rely on regular shipments.
Canada Post is the primary mail delivery service in Canada, and a strike will leave many without access to essential mail services.
Strike Developments
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has been in negotiations with Canada Post for some time, but a national strike has been announced.
CUPW intends to begin a national strike on Friday, November 15 at 12:01 a.m. ET, unless agreements are reached before then.
Canada Post has received strike notices from CUPW, indicating that strike activity will begin as of Friday, November 15 at 12:01 a.m. ET, unless the parties reach agreements beforehand.
Canada Post has presented global offers to CUPW for both the Urban and Rural and Suburban Mail Carriers (RSMC) bargaining units, outlining the company's proposals for each bargaining group.
The strike has already entered its 11th day, with negotiations continuing with the support of a special mediator.
CUPW will be in a legal position to begin strike activity on November 15 at 12:01 a.m. ET, unless agreements are reached before then, causing service delays for Canadians.
The company received strike notices from CUPW for both Urban and RSMC bargaining units, indicating that strike activity will begin as of Friday, November 15 at 12:01 a.m. ET, unless agreements are reached beforehand.
Negotiation Process
The negotiation process between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) is a complex and ongoing one.
Canada Post and CUPW have been negotiating since November 2023 to reach new collective agreements. This officially kicked off the negotiations process for new collective agreements with CUPW's two bargaining units.
The parties have used various methods to try and reach an agreement, including conciliators and mediators. In fact, conciliators were appointed to help the parties reach new collective agreements, and mediators were also appointed to assist in negotiations.

Despite these efforts, talks have broken off without new negotiated agreements in some instances. For example, negotiations broke off without new agreements in one instance, and in another, talks ground to a halt on key issues critical to the Corporation's future.
However, the parties have also made progress in key areas, and Canada Post has presented a comprehensive framework for reaching negotiated agreements. This framework was presented in an effort to move talks forward and reignite negotiations.
The parties have also exchanged counter proposals, with Canada Post presenting a comprehensive framework for reaching negotiated agreements and CUPW announcing a strike mandate from its members. This means that either party could initiate a labour disruption after providing a minimum notice of 72 hours, which has been given in some instances.
Discussions have continued through the weekend, but were less productive than hoped for. However, neither side has provided notice of their intent to start a labour disruption, and the parties are continuing to negotiate.
Government Intervention
Canada Post is currently reviewing the details of the Minister of Labour's announcement to ensure they're prepared to participate in the process and comply with the directive.
The Minister of Labour made an announcement this morning that Canada Post is carefully examining, and they've already reviewed the latest offers from the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW).
Canada Post has determined that the union's demands are unaffordable and unsustainable, adding billions of dollars in long-term fixed costs.
Government Intervention
Government Intervention can be a complex and nuanced issue.
Canada Post is currently reviewing the details of the Minister of Labour’s announcement to ensure they are prepared to comply with the directive.
The Minister of Labour made an announcement this morning that caught everyone's attention.
Canada Post has carefully reviewed the latest offers from the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) and determined that the union's demands are unaffordable and unsustainable.
Adding billions of dollars in long-term fixed costs is a significant financial burden.
This means that Canada Post is not in a position to accept the union's demands as is.
Minister's Announcement

The Minister's announcement was a significant step towards addressing the economic crisis.
The government introduced a stimulus package worth $10 billion to boost economic growth.
This move was aimed at creating jobs and increasing consumer spending.
The package included tax cuts for small businesses and individuals, which were expected to benefit over 200,000 workers.
The Minister emphasized the need for swift action to mitigate the effects of the crisis.
In a press conference, the Minister stated that the government would work closely with the private sector to ensure the package's successful implementation.
Talks and Hearings
Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) have been participating in hearings as part of the Industrial Inquiry Commission (IIC).
The IIC was established by the Minister of Labour in December, and it's examining key issues in the collective bargaining dispute between Canada Post and CUPW.
The hearings have been ongoing, with Canada Post taking part in a second round last week as the IIC continues to examine the dispute and the company's broader financial and competitive challenges.
Canada Post and CUPW have also been participating in two days of hearings at the IIC, led by labour and arbitration expert William Kaplan.
These hearings are an important step in resolving the collective bargaining dispute between Canada Post and CUPW, and it will be interesting to see the outcome.
Industrial Inquiry Commission
The Industrial Inquiry Commission is a crucial part of the ongoing Canada Post strike. Established by the Minister of Labour in December, it's examining the collective bargaining dispute between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW).
Canada Post has been participating in hearings with the IIC, which is also looking at the company's broader financial and competitive challenges. This is the second round of hearings, and it's clear that both parties are taking this process seriously.
The IIC hearings started last week, and they'll continue into this week with Canada Post and CUPW participating.
Update on Industrial Inquiry Commission Report

The Industrial Inquiry Commission (IIC) was established by the Minister of Labour in December. This move marks a significant step towards resolving the ongoing labor dispute between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW).
Canada Post and CUPW will be participating in hearings as part of the IIC, starting Monday. These hearings will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the negotiations.
The IIC will provide a platform for both parties to present their concerns and work towards a mutually beneficial agreement. This is a positive development for the postal workers and the community they serve.
The hearings will likely have a significant impact on the future of the postal service in Canada.
Industrial Inquiry Commission Update
The Industrial Inquiry Commission is actively working on resolving the collective bargaining dispute between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW).
Canada Post has participated in a second round of hearings with the IIC, which is also examining the company's broader financial and competitive challenges.

The IIC was established by the Minister of Labour in December, and it's reviewing the collective bargaining dispute between Canada Post and CUPW.
Canada Post made a second submission to the IIC, highlighting the company's financial situation and competitiveness.
The hearings are an important step towards resolving the dispute between Canada Post and CUPW, and the IIC is working to find a solution that benefits both parties.
Canada Post and CUPW will be participating in hearings as part of the IIC, starting from Monday, as the Minister of Labour established the IIC in December.
Strike Impact
The Canada Post strike is having a significant impact on small businesses across the country. Three quarters (75%) of small businesses have said they will be negatively affected by the work stoppage.
Many small business owners are struggling to cope with the disruptions, with 90% of a wholesaler's business in Ontario at risk of being lost during their busiest time of year. A print shop in B.C. is experiencing order cancellations, and a retailer in Manitoba is unable to ship packages due to the strike.
Small businesses are urging the federal government to intervene and find a resolution to the strike. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is calling on the government to enact back-to-work legislation or order binding arbitration to help small businesses finish the year strong.
Mail Processing Issue
The strike initiated by Canada Post workers on November 15, 2024, has caused a significant backlog in mail processing.
Approximately 55,000 Canada Post workers are involved in the strike.
The union is advocating for improved working conditions to address health and safety concerns.
Canada Post's limited capacity has led to a temporary halt in international mail from the United States Postal Service (USPS) to Canada.
This decision helps avoid backlogs and ensures that mail doesn't get lost along the way.
Other postal services around the world might take similar steps, which could further affect cross-border mail.
Sending Mail
Canada Post is not accepting new items during the strike, so if you need to send something, consider using an alternative courier service. This is especially important for important mail like Christmas gifts.
Jim Bookbinder, a management sciences professor at the University of Waterloo, suggests using an alternative courier service if you want to ensure your mail gets delivered on time.
Small Business Order Delivery Timeline
Small businesses are likely to pay 30 to 40 per cent more on shipping if they use alternatives like FedEx or UPS.
Bookbinder said retailers who are mailing parcels will likely pay 30 to 40 per cent more on shipping if they consider alternatives such as FedEx or UPS.
Most small businesses are resilient and innovative, and they'll find ways to get your products to you on time.
Corinne Pohlmann, executive vice president of advocacy at the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, said most small businesses are very resilient and pretty innovative and they will find ways to get you any products that you need.
Small businesses may use alternative couriers to get your products to you, or even deliver them themselves.
We see a lot of small businesses doing this, according to Corinne Pohlmann.
What's Up with USPS?
USPS has been dealing with its own labor disputes in recent years, with the National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU) and the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) both negotiating contracts with the postal service.
The NPMHU has been seeking better pay and benefits for its members, while the APWU has been pushing for changes to the postal service's pension and health insurance plans.
USPS has been facing financial struggles, with a loss of $8.1 billion in 2022.
The postal service has been trying to increase efficiency and reduce costs, but it's a complex process.
The APWU has been critical of USPS's plans to cut jobs and reduce services.
USPS has been working to modernize its operations and improve its online services, but it's a slow process.
The postal service has been implementing new technology to improve delivery times and reduce costs.
USPS has been facing increased competition from private carriers, which has put pressure on the postal service's finances.
The NPMHU has been working to protect the jobs and benefits of its members, while the APWU has been pushing for changes to the postal service's pension and health insurance plans.
USPS has been trying to balance its budget and provide good service to its customers, but it's a challenging task.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Canada Post still on strike in 2024?
No, Canada Post was not on strike in 2024, but a labour disruption could happen as early as May 22, 2025. The existing collective agreements between Canada Post and CUPW were reinstated in 2024.
Is there an end in sight for Canada Post strike?
Unfortunately, Canada Post warns that a speedy resolution to the strike is unlikely. The strike, now in its 25th day, involves over 55,000 workers.
What was the longest postal strike in Canada?
The longest postal strike in Canada occurred in December 1975, lasting six weeks and disrupting mail services nationwide. It was the result of prolonged negotiations between the Canadian Union of Postal Workers and Postmaster General Bryce Mackasey.
Why are Canadian postal workers on strike?
Canadian postal workers are on strike due to disagreements over pay and working conditions, with negotiations stalled between the two sides. The strike began on November 15 with around 55,000 workers participating.
How much do Canada Post workers want?
Canada Post workers are seeking a 19% wage increase over four years, with a 9% hike in the first year.
Sources
- https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/our-company/news-and-media/corporate-news/negotiations-list.page
- https://www.lob.com/blog/navigating-the-canada-post-strike-what-it-means-for-your-mail
- https://www.cfib-fcei.ca/en/media/canada-post-workers-have-been-striking-for-a-week-time-for-government-to-intervene
- https://toronto.citynews.ca/2024/11/15/canada-post-strike-mail-deliveries/
- https://labornotes.org/2024/11/canadas-55000-postal-strikers-are-refusing-throw-new-hires-under-bus
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