Canada Post is once again facing nationwide disruptions as rotating strikes continue across the country, impacting letter and parcel deliveries ahead of the busy holiday season. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) began these job actions in late September 2025 after contract negotiations with the Crown corporation failed to produce a new agreement.
The ongoing labour dispute has already affected thousands of businesses and households, with many experiencing significant delivery delays. Both the union and Canada Post confirm that talks are ongoing, but no settlement has been reached as of early November.
Why Canada Post workers are on strike
The rotating strikes come after months of negotiations between the CUPW and Canada Post over wage increases, job security, and workplace safety. The union represents over 55,000 postal workers and argues that working conditions have not kept pace with inflation or the growing demands of parcel delivery driven by e-commerce.
At the same time, Canada Post continues to face financial pressure as mail volumes decline and parcel delivery competition increases. The company’s most recent annual report showed losses exceeding $290 million in 2024, prompting federal discussions about restructuring operations and modernizing delivery models.
The Government of Canada has expressed concern over the dispute’s economic impact but maintains that it expects both sides to reach a negotiated solution without legislative intervention for now.
| Key Issue | Union Position | Canada Post Response |
|---|---|---|
| Wages | Inflation-adjusted increases | Budget limits amid falling mail volumes |
| Job Security | Protection against automation and outsourcing | Need for operational flexibility |
| Workload | Fair compensation for parcel volume surge | Efficiency targets to maintain profitability |
CUPW President Jan Simpson said the strikes are meant to “send a clear message that postal workers deserve respect and fair pay for the work they do every day.”
How rotating strikes affect Canadians
Unlike a full shutdown, rotating strikes target specific regions on alternating days, meaning that while mail continues to move, service is inconsistent. Canadians are reporting delays of several days for both domestic and international mail.
Businesses reliant on regular shipping — particularly e-commerce retailers and small businesses — have felt the brunt of these disruptions. Canada Post has warned customers to expect delays in all delivery channels, including parcel tracking and pickup services.
Officials from the Ontario Ministry of Labour have encouraged both sides to continue bargaining and avoid escalation, citing the vital role of postal services in the national supply chain.
For consumers, this means planning ahead for bills, government correspondence, and early holiday shipping. Many are turning to courier alternatives, though these services have also reported volume spikes and extended delivery timelines.
What comes next
Both the union and Canada Post have agreed to remain at the bargaining table. While no back-to-work legislation has been proposed, the federal government may intervene if service disruptions worsen. Historically, prolonged postal strikes have triggered legislative resolutions to ensure the flow of essential mail.
Analysts say that even after an agreement is reached, it could take several weeks to clear backlogs at major sorting centres like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, where the highest mail volumes are processed.
The dispute also underscores the larger challenges facing Canada Post as it transitions from traditional mail to an increasingly parcel-based business model. Modernizing operations while maintaining universal service remains a key priority for the corporation moving forward.
According to the Toronto Forecast: Up to 15 cm of Snow Expected This Weekend Across the GTA, Environment Canada reports that a cold front will bring the season’s first major snowfall starting Saturday night. Some areas could see as much as 15 cm of accumulation, leading to slick roads and reduced visibility across the region.
The 2025 Canada Post rotating strikes highlight the growing tension between labour rights and the economic realities of the postal service. With mail delays continuing across much of the country and negotiations still underway, Canadians are advised to plan accordingly for slower deliveries. Both Canada Post and the Government of Canada remain committed to finding a resolution — but until an agreement is reached, the nation’s postal network will continue to face significant strain.
