Ongoing strike halts mail delivery, costing businesses millions and prompting calls for federal action
Canada Post is awaiting a response from the union representing 55,000 striking workers after presenting a new framework for negotiations over the weekend, as reported by BNN Bloomberg.
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) confirmed that its negotiators are currently reviewing the proposal, which aims to revive discussions halted during the ongoing strike.
On Sunday, Canada Post expressed its hope that the document would restart talks with the union.
The proposed plan, according to the Crown corporation, includes measures to increase flexibility in the delivery model and shows “movement on other key issues” central to the labour dispute.
The strike, which has disrupted mail delivery during the busy holiday season, has drawn widespread concern.
In a bulletin to its members, CUPW acknowledged that both sides have adjusted their demands and expressed a willingness to resume federal mediation, which was paused last week.
Federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon weighed in on the situation via a post on X, urging both parties to resolve their differences.
Today, I have spoken to both Canada Post and CUPW on their ongoing dispute.
— Steven MacKinnon (@stevenmackinnon) December 2, 2024
I reminded both parties that it is their duty and responsibility to resolve differences in a dispute that is impacting so many Canadians.
Mediation will only resume once the special mediator has clear…
MacKinnon stated that mediation would resume only “once the special mediator has clear evidence that both parties have sufficiently modified their respective positions.”
As the strike continues, its effects are being felt beyond Canada’s borders. The US Postal Service has temporarily stopped accepting mail destined for Canada, advising customers to refrain from sending items to the country until further notice.
Tensions between CUPW and Canada Post escalated last week when the union filed an unfair labour practice complaint over temporary layoffs implemented by the Crown corporation.
CUPW described the layoffs as an “intimidation tactic,” while Canada Post maintained they were necessary operational adjustments during the strike and denied any violation of the labour code.
The business community has voiced growing frustration over the prolonged strike. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) estimates that small- and medium-sized businesses have suffered hundreds of millions of dollars in losses due to the stoppage.
CFIB continues to call for federal intervention, though Minister MacKinnon has stated that such action is not currently being considered.
The strike's impact has also been highlighted by Shopify CEO Tobi Lütke, who noted in a post on X that at least 67,000 small businesses on his platform rely on Canada Post for deliveries.
The situation remains unresolved as negotiations between the two sides await further progress.
