Canada Post received strike notices from the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) for both urban and RSMC (Rural and Suburban Mail Carriers) bargaining units on May 19.
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The notices indicate CUPW intends to begin strike activity on Friday, May 23 at 12 a.m. local time. Operations, however, will continue as usual at this time.
According to Canada Post’s website, the company intends to continue delivering while working to reach agreements. It did, however, warn labour disruptions would affect millions of Canadian residents and businesses reliant on postal services.
“We will work to minimize service disruptions, but customers may experience delays,” read a statement.
“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.”
On Monday, May 19, the CUPW announced a 72-hour strike notice, citing concerns the employer might independently alter working conditions and halt employee benefits.
The union also pointed out the previous work stoppage, which occurred between November and December of 2024, concluded when the federal government intervened through a ministerial directive, which led to a labour board decision requiring both sides to return to the bargaining table.
The possibility of another strike arises at a pivotal time for the postal service. Since 2018, Canada Post has reported pre-tax losses exceeding $3 billion and is expected to face another substantial deficit in 2024.
In early 2025, the federal government pledged up to $1.034 billion in repayable financial support to help the corporation avoid insolvency.
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