Canada Post rotating strikes: How shippers can limit holiday hurdles

Canada Post Rotating Strikes: How Shippers Can Limit Holiday Hurdles

Amid ongoing labor disruptions, businesses relying on Canada Post are advised to maintain clear communication with customers and secure multiple delivery methods, experts recommend.

Background on Labor Unrest

Employees of Canada Post represented by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) have initiated rotating strikes as the holiday delivery season nears, potentially causing significant disruptions for unprepared shippers.

Last year, a nationwide strike during the holiday period halted Canada Post operations due to stalled contract negotiations, resulting in delivery delays.

Current Situation

The labor dispute persists in 2025, with measures including an employee overtime ban, suspension of unaddressed direct mail delivery, and a nationwide strike.
Recently, CUPW moved from a full strike to rotating work stoppages that block mail and parcel pickup or delivery in targeted locations.
As of Tuesday, strikes are ongoing in London and Cobourg, Ontario, with 18 other locations having experienced rotating strikes since October.

"Once the strike is over in a given location, the delivery of mail and parcels will restart as quickly as possible once operations resume," Canada Post stated.

In addition, CUPW National President Jan Simpson announced employees are not processing or delivering unaddressed advertising mail in most of Ontario and Quebec, except some areas.

Advice for Shippers

Prioritize customer updates about potential delays.
Use alternative delivery services where possible to ensure packages arrive on time.

Author's Summary

Canada Post's rotating strikes threaten holiday deliveries, urging shippers to enhance communication and diversify shipping options to mitigate disruptions.

Supply Chain Dive — 2025-11-06