CANADA Post announced on Monday that it has received strike notices from the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), for both Urban and RSMC (Rural and Suburban Mail Carriers) bargaining units. The notices indicate that CUPW intends to begin strike activity on Friday, May 23 at 12 a.m. local time.
Canada Post said its operations continue as usual at this time.
It said: “A labour disruption would affect the millions of Canadians and businesses who rely on the postal service, and deepen the company’s already serious financial situation. It is critical that both parties focus their energies on resolving issues to reach negotiated agreements.”
Canada Post said that in the event CUPW initiates rotating strike activity, it intends to continue delivering in unaffected areas while working to reach negotiated agreements. It will work to minimize service disruptions, but customers may experience delays.
In the event of a national labour disruption, mail and parcels will not be delivered and no new items will be accepted until the disruption is over. All mail and parcels in Canada Post’s network will be secured and delivered as quickly as possible once operations resume.
Canada Post said: “The potential for another strike comes at a critical moment for the postal system. Since 2018, the Corporation has recorded more than $3 billion in losses before tax, and it will post another significant loss for 2024. In early 2025, the Government of Canada announced repayable funding of up to $1.034 billion for Canada Post to prevent insolvency.”
Canada Post said it remains committed to reaching collective agreements focused on protecting and enhancing the wages and benefits that are important to its people while reflecting the Corporation’s current realities.
Socio-economic cheques (SECs) for the month of May will be delivered prior to the possibility of any strike activity commencing. Canadians will receive their cheques the same way they normally receive their mail.
Canada Post and CUPW have agreed to continue the delivery of socio-economic cheques during any upcoming labour disruption, for eligible and participating government organizations. The agreement ensures government financial assistance delivered by mail will reach seniors and other Canadians who rely on it. Details about SECs for June will be shared shortly.
It is also the season for shipping live animals. A process is in place to ensure these deliveries continue during a labour disruption, however, no new shipment will be accepted in affected areas.
Visit canadapost.ca/negotiations for the latest information on negotiations and a list of affected locations in the event of labour disruptions.
