Canada Post rotating strikes: How shippers can limit holiday hurdles

Canada Post Rotating Strikes: Managing Holiday Shipping Challenges

As labor disruptions continue, experts advise that companies relying on Canada Post should focus on transparent communication with customers and ensure alternative delivery methods are in place.

Background of the Labor Dispute

Canada Post employees, represented by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), have launched rotating strikes just as the busy holiday shipping period arrives. The dispute extends from last year, when a national strike disrupted operations and delayed deliveries across the country due to stalled contract negotiations.

Current Situation

The 2025 contract disagreement has led to an overtime ban, suspension of unaddressed direct mail delivery, and several waves of work stoppages. CUPW recently replaced a full strike with rotating ones, which halt mail and parcel movement in specific locations.

Areas Affected

As of Tuesday, active strikes are impacting mail service in the Ontario communities of London and Cobourg. Since early October, eighteen other sites have seen temporary disruptions.

“Once the strike is over in a given location, the delivery of mail and parcels will restart as quickly as possible once operations resume,” Canada Post said.

Union Statement

Employees are also not processing or delivering unaddressed advertising mail in the Ontario and Quebec regions, excluding certain areas, CUPW National President Jan Simpson said Monday.

Key Takeaways for Businesses

Maintain clear communication with customers about potential delivery delays.
Secure alternative carriers to minimize holiday disruptions.
Plan for regional variations in service availability due to rotating strikes.

Author’s summary: Rotating postal strikes across Canada are slowing deliveries during the peak holiday period, pushing businesses to adapt quickly and diversify their shipping strategies.

Supply Chain Dive — 2025-11-06