Starting on November 15th, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) initiated a nationwide strike, causing a full disruption of Canada Post services. During this period, no mail or parcels will be processed or delivered. Although discussions are ongoing, the strike’s resolution timeline remains uncertain. With the holiday season approaching, such disruptions may cause anxiety for businesses and consumers alike relying on timely shipments. With the holiday season approaching and businesses relying on timely shipments, such disruptions can cause anxiety for businesses and consumers alike.
At GlobalPost, we recognize the concerns that come with this uncertainty, which is why we’re working hard to provide the support you need for your shipping during this time.
Impact on Canadian shipments
The strike applies to Canada Post services and impacts all mail and parcels being shipped through this carrier across urban, rural, and suburban areas of Canada. Any packages currently in transit with Canada Post will experience delays until the strike is settled. Shipments relying on Canada Post for final delivery are also affected.
Holiday shipping delays
Although both sides are working towards resolving the dispute, there is no clear timeline for the strike’s conclusion. Even once it ends, delays could persist as Canada Post addresses the backlog. This may significantly impact your holiday shipping schedule unless proactive steps are taken to minimize delays.
How we’re managing during the strike
GlobalPost customers worried about disruptions to their shipping schedule are still able to ship parcels to Canada as usual. As the strike continues, GlobalPost will reroute shipments through alternative networks that do not rely on Canada Post for final-mile delivery. While some delays may occur, our robust network supports the continued flow of goods, providing reliable alternatives to keep your business moving during these uncertain times. We are closely monitoring the situation as it unfolds.
What this means for you
Here’s how GlobalPost is mitigating the impact of the strike:
- Alternative Carrier Networks: Leveraging partnerships with trusted carriers, we help support the successful delivery of your shipments to their destinations. This transition minimizes delays and avoids the bottlenecks caused by service interruptions at Canada Post.
- Slight Adjustments in Transit Times: While we strive for seamless delivery, please note that transit times may be slightly longer as we optimize routes through alternative vendors.
Most Recent Updates
12/18/24
Effective December 17, 2024, Canada Post resumed operations and will be accepting new mail and parcels on December 19, 2024.
At this time, there are no updates regarding GlobalPost shipments to Canada. We’re closely evaluating and will share updates as available.
12/13/24
“It is my view, and the view of the FMCS, that the parties are at an impasse,” said
Canadian federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon in a statement earlier today. The Labour Minister is now sending the labor dispute between CUPW and Canada Post to the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) in an effort to resume Canada Post operations and get striking CUPW workers back to work. The resolution of the strike now requires CIRB to agree with MacKinnon’s assertion that the negotiations are at a standstill.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR SHIPPERS?
Despite recent movements, this situation is still ongoing. Canada Post customers still cannot ship or print labels at this time, and will not be able to do so until an official announcement has been made.
WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS?
If the CIRB agrees, MacKinnon says the Labour Relations Board will order Canada Post, and all employees represented by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, to resume operations and extend the terms of existing collective agreements until May 2025.
Canada Post announced that they are reviewing the Minister’s announcement to prepare to participate as the situation progresses and comply with the directive.
To stay updated on this developing story, check this blog or read the latest CUPW negotiation updates.
12/09/24
Effective, December 6, 2024, we are temporarily unable to deliver to certain postal codes in Canada due to the CUPW strike, as our network relies on Canada Post for delivery to these destinations. Customers should refrain from shipping to these areas through GlobalPost. We continue to accept shipments to Canada outside of these destinations. For the list of impacted postal codes, please contact our support team.
12/06/24
On November 27, 2024, USPS announced a temporary suspension of all Canada-bound shipments, across all mail classes, effective November 29, 2024, in response to the ongoing CUPW strike.
We recognize the impact these disruptions may have on your shipments. Shipments already in transit to Canada through USPS will be delayed. To continue shipping to Canada, we offer a variety of services, including GlobalPost Standard, Economy, and Plus, to support you during this time.
Regarding the CUPW strike, the situation is still evolving. On December 1st, Canada Post presented CUPW with a comprehensive framework in the hope of reaching negotiated agreements.
Our role in ensuring continuity
GlobalPost acts as a facilitator rather than the final-mile delivery provider. We coordinate with a network of carriers, ensuring your shipments are handled efficiently from origin to destination. This approach allows us to adapt to challenges like the Canada Post strike, ensuring your customers experience as little disruption as possible.
We know that timely delivery is critical to your business success, and we’re committed to providing reliable solutions in the face of challenges. We’re devoted to sharing the latest information and helping you navigate disruption as we continue to monitor the situation closely. Stay informed by bookmarking this blog for quick and convenient access. If you have questions or need assistance, our support team is ready to help.