Possible Postal Strike as of This Friday

Brockville – Canada Post 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 CUPW, representing over 55,000 postal workers, issued a 72-hour strike notice, which intends to begin strike activity as of Friday, May 23 at 12:00 am local time, unless the parties reach an agreement before then.

“In the event CUPW initiates rotating strike activity, Canada Post intends to continue delivering in unaffected areas while working to reach agreements. We will work to minimize service disruptions, but customers may experience delays,” said Canada Post in a media release.

“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 our network will be secured and delivered as quickly as possible once operations resume.” Canada Post continued.

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 our people while reflecting the corporation’s current realities.

“We can confirm that a 72-hour strike notice has been issued. This step was taken in part to respond to the employer’s recent indication that it may unilaterally change working conditions and suspend employee benefits,” said the CUPW

They went on to say, “The step was also taken to facilitate the continuation of our right to strike that was put on pause by the CIRB in December 2024. There is still time to return to the bargaining table. We remain committed to negotiating collective agreements and urge the employer to do the same. Our goal continues to be negotiated collective agreements that support the well-being of workers, the communities we serve, and the sustainability of the public post.”