Tens of thousands of Canada Post workers are preparing to launch a nationwide strike on Friday, May 23, 2025, following a breakdown in negotiations with their employer. The potential walkout, organized by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), could severely disrupt mail and parcel delivery across the country just ahead of the busy Victoria Day long weekend.
The strike notice, issued late Monday, affects more than 55,000 employees, including letter carriers, sorters, and rural mail drivers. According to the union, the dispute centers around issues of wages, job security, overtime policies, and working conditions, particularly in light of inflation and increased parcel volumes.
“Canada Post workers have continued to deliver under extreme pressure and deserve a fair contract,” said Jan Simpson, national president of CUPW. “We will not back down until our demands for dignity, respect, and real wage growth are met.”
If the strike proceeds, mail delivery will be halted, and Canada Post has confirmed it will no longer accept new parcels or lettermail until the labor action ends. Services already in transit may face significant delays, with rural and remote regions expected to be the hardest hit.
In a statement, Canada Post management said it remains “committed to reaching a negotiated settlement” and urged the union to return to the bargaining table. The corporation noted that it has offered “competitive wage increases and improved benefits,” but the CUPW has rejected the latest proposals, calling them inadequate and out of step with economic realities.
The last major postal strike occurred in 2018, resulting in delayed deliveries and a public outcry that prompted temporary back-to-work legislation. However, no such move has been indicated by the current Liberal minority government under Prime Minister Mark Carney, which has thus far emphasized the importance of collective bargaining.
Business groups have voiced concern over the timing of the strike, warning that small businesses and e-commerce platforms could suffer significant losses.
“Any disruption to postal services affects thousands of entrepreneurs who rely on timely shipping,” said the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). “We urge both sides to find a resolution before Friday.”
The union’s demands also include stronger protections for part-time and rural employees, as well as limits on forced overtime and outsourcing, which CUPW says threatens job stability and safety.
Canadians are being advised to prepare for service interruptions and seek alternative delivery options where possible. Bill payments, prescription deliveries, and government documents could all be delayed if no agreement is reached by the deadline.
For now, pressure is mounting on both CUPW and Canada Post management to avert a full-blown strike — but with just days remaining, the likelihood of disruption is growing.
Whether it ends in resolution or walkout, Friday is shaping up to be a pivotal day for Canada’s postal system and for the thousands of workers fighting to protect their rights.
Source; The Albertan
