(Update: Canada Post announced today that it received a counterproposal from the Canadian Union of Postal Workers on Wednesday evening in response to an offer made by the company over the weekend. The corporation is currently reviewing the proposal.)
Despite mounting pressure from businesses and residents, the federal government has steadfastly refused to legislate an end to the nationwide Canada Post strike, now in its 21st day as of Dec. 5, 2024.
Approximately 55,000 postal workers, represented by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), began the strike on Nov. 15 after nearly a year of unsuccessful contract negotiations, causing widespread disruption across the country. The strike has severely impacted mail and parcel deliveries, affecting businesses, charities, and individuals during the crucial holiday shopping season. Canada Post has reported millions of undelivered parcels, with the backlog continuing to grow as the strike persists.
Small and medium-sized enterprises, including Canada’s stamp dealers, have borne the brunt of the disruption. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) estimates daily losses of approximately $76 million, with total economic impacts nearing $765 million as of early December. If the strike continues, losses could surpass $1 billion.
Federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon has acknowledged the gravity of the situation, calling the strike “highly disrespectful” to Canadians, but insists that the government remains focused on a negotiated settlement. While a special mediator has been appointed, progress has been limited, and the parties remain “very far apart.”
Calls for back-to-work legislation echo measures taken during past disputes, such as the 2018 Canada Post strike. However, the current political landscape complicates such action. The New Democratic Party (NDP), which holds significant sway in the minority government, has opposed back-to-work legislation.
However, the federal government could intervene in the Canada Post strike by invoking Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code, directing the Canada Industrial Relations Board to impose binding arbitration. This approach has precedent: earlier this year, MacKinnon invoked Section 107 to resolve a rail workers’ lockout, demonstrating the government’s willingness to step in during critical labour disputes.
The repercussions of the strike extend beyond Canadian borders. The United States Postal Service has temporarily halted mail and package shipments to Canada due to the inability to process and deliver items. Domestically, the strike has raised concerns about holiday mail, including children’s letters to Santa Claus, a treasured Canadian tradition.
As the strike nears the three-week mark, both Canada Post and CUPW remain at an impasse. With no signs of government intervention or resolution on the horizon, the dispute continues to disrupt services nationwide, causing significant economic strain and inconvenience during a time when Canadians rely heavily on timely postal services.