Canada Post resumes mail as rotating strikes replace nationwide walkout

Canadians should start receiving mail again on Tuesday after Canada Post workers moved from a nationwide strike to a rotating strike on Saturday morning.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), representing 55,000 employees, says the fight for a fair collective agreement continues, but the shift in labor action allows workers to return to their jobs while highlighting the importance of full postal service.

“With the majority of our workers back to work, people can go out and talk to the public,” said Jim Gallant, a CUPW negotiator. “The public sees what worth there is in the post office.”

Ongoing Negotiations and Federal Reforms

The union and Canada Post have been negotiating a new collective agreement for over 18 months. The dispute intensified after Ottawa announced sweeping reforms to the Crown corporation, including ending home delivery and closing some rural outlets to stabilize the company.

Canada Post has struggled financially, posting a $1.3-billion loss last year and projecting a $1.5-billion loss this year. The company is staying afloat with a $1-billion government loan. CUPW claims Canada Post may be exaggerating its losses.

“[Ottawa is] going to cut the arms and the legs off of it. The service is not going to be what it's supposed to be. It's not going to be what Canadians need,” said Gallant.

Labor expert Rafael Gomez noted the delicate position CUPW faces:

“You have to balance it out because if it's not going to be disruptive, then the employer has no real cost to bear. If it is too disruptive, then the public is affected. It's this balancing act.”

Mail Delays Expected

CUPW warns that rotating strikes could still delay mail in some regions, and workers may resume a full nationwide strike if needed.

“Different people [will be off work] continually over the next while, until either we have a collective agreement or the union decides to change our strike activity,” said Gallant.

Impact on Businesses and Rural Communities

The resumption of mail is a relief for small businesses such as Maplelea, a Canadian-themed doll company. Founder Kathryn Gallagher Morton said tens of thousands of print catalogs can now be mailed, supporting the company’s holiday sales.

“I was thrilled. It just makes a huge, huge difference to our company and what we'll be able to do this Christmas,” she said.

However, Gallagher Morton, who lost $300,000 in sales due to last year’s strike, supports a downsized postal service, aligning with Ottawa’s fiscal approach.

In contrast, rural communities remain concerned. Lori Hoddinott, mayor of McNab/Braeside, said 60% of her residents rely on home delivery, particularly seniors, and losing it would cause significant hardship. Canada Post has indicated it will continue programs for those with mobility issues.

Canada Post’s Response

Canada Post welcomed employees back but warned of “uncertainty and instability” due to ongoing rotating strikes. The company is ready to return to the bargaining table and awaits a response from CUPW on its Oct. 3 offer, which includes:

• 13.59% wage increase over four years

• Health and retirement benefits

• Up to seven weeks of vacation

However, the proposal removes a signing bonus, which the corporation says it can no longer afford. CUPW criticized the offer as a step backward. Canada Post continues to support government reforms for a smaller, more sustainable postal service.

“The need to align the business to the current needs of the country, to reduce the dependency on taxpayer dollars, grows more urgent each day this strike continues,” the corporation said.