Canada Post says it has stopped accepting Neighbourhood Mail after the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) imposed a ban on its delivery, which took effect today, Sept. 15.
In an email sent to its business customers, Canada Post confirmed the union’s directive applies only to unaddressed direct mail – flyers, brochures, coupons, catalogues and other promotional materials distributed through its Neighbourhood Mail service. This includes weekly flyers from major grocery chains.
However, other products, including Personalized Mail, Postal Code Targeting Mail, Transactional Mail and parcels, remain unaffected.
“As a result of the union’s action, we have made the difficult decision to stop accepting Neighbourhood Mail items effective immediately,” the corporation said. “Until further notice, no Neighbourhood Mail items will be accepted for drop-off at plants, depots, post offices or other Canada Post facilities. All delivery vehicles intending to drop off Neighbourhood Mail will be turned away. In addition, items currently in the network will be securely held.”
Canada Post noted that all other products continue to be processed and delivered normally but acknowledged the union’s action creates significant challenges. “We are disappointed in CUPW’s decision to ban the delivery of Neighbourhood Mail, which we first learned about through their news conference,” the email added. “This decision impacts the thousands of Canadian businesses that reach their customers with information and offers through the mail. It also impacts CUPW-represented employees who are paid to deliver flyers on top of their wages.”
The corporation said it remains committed to reaching new collective agreements “that provide long-term certainty for your business, while evolving our delivery model to meet your changing needs and those of your customers.”
BACKGROUND TO THE DISPUTE
The dispute between Canada Post and CUPW has been ongoing for more than a year. Postal workers have been without a contract since the expiry of their collective agreements in 2023. Last fall saw rotating strike action across the country, followed by a government-forced vote in the summer of 2025 in which members decisively rejected Canada Post’s proposed contract terms. CUPW has maintained that meaningful progress can only be achieved at the bargaining table, while Canada Post has insisted its positions remain firm. The failure to reach an agreement set the stage for today’s escalation, beginning with the Neighbourhood Mail ban.
Neighbourhood Mail – formerly known as Unaddressed Admail – is Canada Post’s unaddressed direct marketing service. Instead of being sent to named individuals, it is delivered to all households and businesses on chosen postal routes. Eligible content includes flyers, brochures, postcards, coupons, catalogues, and even product samples, provided they meet Canada Post’s size and weight limits. Businesses rely on the service to promote sales, special events, and brand awareness by reaching every mailbox in targeted areas.
CUPW’S POSITION
In a Sept. 12 statement to members, CUPW National President Jan Simpson said the ban is part of an escalation in the union’s ongoing labour dispute.
“Over a month ago, postal workers soundly rejected Canada Post’s offers in a government-forced vote,” Simpson said. “With the Corporation’s offers rejected by the membership, the only way to settle this dispute is at the bargaining table and the Employer changing its positions.”
Simpson said CUPW negotiators returned to the table on Aug. 20 with new global offers designed to meet postal workers’ needs while also helping Canada Post enhance its services and grow revenues. But she accused the corporation of abandoning bargaining and insisting on “non-negotiable” terms.
“As of Monday, Sept. 15, at 12:01 a.m. local time, postal workers will no longer process or deliver unaddressed flyers (Neighbourhood Mail),” Simpson stated. She added that the union’s overtime ban will also end at that time.
“Postal workers can’t bargain with themselves. We need Canada Post to get back to the table and negotiate now. As we head towards another holiday season, the public is counting on stability. Canada Post needs to get back to the bargaining table to ensure stability to the postal system.”