Canada Post Workers Begin Rotating Strikes Amid Ongoing Dispute

Canadian postal services are set to experience disruptions as the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) initiates rotating strike actions. This shift, effective from September 30, 2023, follows the Thanksgiving long weekend, prompting uncertainty regarding mail delivery schedules across the country. The union, which represents approximately 55,000 workers, aims to minimize disruptions while continuing negotiations with Canada Post.

CUPW negotiator Jim Gallant explained that the strike is not over but has evolved to allow Canadians to witness the impact of ongoing service cuts. He criticized Canada Post’s latest contract offer, likening it to a prior proposal rejected by 70 percent of workers in May. Gallant described the changes in the new offer as “poison pills” and warned that further reductions could result in the closure of offices and the loss of 10,000 jobs.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding local strikes, employees are expected to report to work as usual. Letter courier Lorraine Muller noted that workers remain in the dark about which locations will be affected from day to day. She emphasized the instability experienced by postal workers over the past two years, highlighting a lack of connection to the workplace and colleagues due to recent changes in operations.

In a statement, Canada Post welcomed back its employees but acknowledged that rotating strikes complicate the provision of reliable service. Consequently, the company has suspended all service guarantees. The current strike action follows the announcement of significant changes to postal services by the government, including plans to phase out door-to-door delivery for most Canadians in the next decade.

As negotiations continue, Canadians can expect further delays and backlog in mail deliveries, underscoring the ongoing challenges facing the national postal service.