2024 Canada Post strike

Negotiations for a new contract began on November 15, 2023, one year prior to the strike. On August 2, 2024, CUPW filed with the federal Minister of Labour to get conciliators to help mediate.{{Cite web |title=Notice of dispute |url=https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/our-company/news-and-media/corporate-news/negotiations/2024-08-02-notice-of-dispute |access-date=November 28, 2024 |website=Canada Post |language=en |archive-date=November 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241126211627/https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/our-company/news-and-media/corporate-news/negotiations/2024-08-02-notice-of-dispute |url-status=live }} After continued impasse in negotiations and a cooling-off period, the Government of Canada appointed mediators to assist in negotiation that, ultimately, was also unsuccessful.{{Cite web |title=Mediators appointed to assist in negotiations with CUPW |url=https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/our-company/news-and-media/corporate-news/negotiations/2024-10-16-mediators-appointed-to-assist-in-negotiations-with-cupw |access-date=November 28, 2024 |website=Canada Post |language=en |archive-date=November 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241119131850/https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/our-company/news-and-media/corporate-news/negotiations/2024-10-16-mediators-appointed-to-assist-in-negotiations-with-cupw |url-status=live }}

At the time of the strike, CUPW represented approximately 55,000 striking workers.{{cite news |title=Sides in Canada Post strike remain far apart on several issues, union says |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/mediator-canada-post-strike-1.7385602 |publisher=CBC |date=November 16, 2024}} Its list of demands included:

• wage increases of 24% over four years, which it says will keep wages up to inflation;
• enhancements to group benefits, such as coverage for fertility treatments and gender-affirming care;
• improved protections against technological change;
• enhancements to paid medical leave;
• paid meal and rest periods; and
• increased short-term disability benefits.{{cite web |last1=Dangerfield |first1=Katie |title=Canada Post strike explained: What you need to know about your mail |url=https://www.globalnews.ca/news/10871404/canada-post-strike-explained-what-to-know-mail/ |website=Global News |access-date=November 28, 2024 |archive-date=November 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241129155406/https://globalnews.ca/news/10871404/canada-post-strike-explained-what-to-know-mail/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news|last1=Hudes |first1=Sammy |title=Canada Post strike: Key issues in the dispute that's holding up mail delivery |url=https://www.biv.com/news/economy-law-politics/canada-post-strike-key-issues-in-the-dispute-thats-holding-up-mail-delivery-9913632 |work=Business in Vancouver |date=December 4, 2024 |access-date=December 5, 2024}}

Canada Post declined these demands, instead offering wage increases of 11.5% over four years as well as increased paid leave. The crown corporation has described its finances as "unsustainable," reporting over $3 billion in losses since 2018 and debts exceeding $1 billion. In 2023, Canada Post spent $4.9 billion on labour costs against $6.9 billion in revenue, with operating costs per hour for parcel delivery ranging from $50 to $60 versus industry benchmarks of $40 to $50.{{Cite news |last=Subramaniam |first=Vanmal |date=2024-11-22 |title=Canada Post strike shines light on service's struggle to survive amid fierce competition and financial losses |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-canada-post-strike-financial-losses/ |access-date=2024-12-18 |work=The Globe and Mail |language=en-CA}} Unlike many Crown corporations, Canada Post is not taxpayer-funded and must sustain itself entirely on its own revenues.{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=2023 Annual Report |url=https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/our-company/financial-and-sustainability-reports/2023-annual-report/our-financial-picture.page |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=Canada Post |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Major |first=Darren |date=May 29, 2024 |title=Getting rid of daily mail delivery is not on the table, Canada Post CEO says |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-post-daily-mail-delivery-1.7218955 |access-date=December 18, 2024 |work=CBC News}}

On November 12, 2024, the CUPW issued a 72-hour strike notice, followed by a 72-hour lockout notice from Canada Post.{{Cite web |title=CUPW Issues Strike Notice, Canada Post Retaliates with Lockout Notice |url=https://www.cupw.ca/en/cupw-issues-strike-notice-canada-post-retaliates-lockout-notice |access-date=November 28, 2024 |website=CUPW |language=en}} The deadline for an agreement lapsed on November 15, thus triggering a nationwide strike.

On November 28, 2024, Canada Post temporarily laid off some striking employees.{{Cite news |work=The Canadian Press |date=November 28, 2024 |title=Canada Post says it has been temporarily laying off striking workers |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/canada-post-strike-layoffs-1.7395839 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241129093958/https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/canada-post-strike-layoffs-1.7395839 |archive-date=November 29, 2024 |access-date=November 28, 2024 |publisher=CBC News}} In response, CUPW filed a complaint with the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB),{{Cite news |date=December 1, 2024 |title=Canada Post presents union with 'framework' to reach deal, end strike |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/canada-post-union-framework-deal-strike-1.7398365 |access-date=December 13, 2024 |work=CBC |agency=The Canadian Press}} arguing that Canada Post violated the Canada Labour Code. In a notice posted to members, CUPW described the layoffs as a "scare tactic" meant to intimidate union members.{{Cite web |last=Paglinawan |first=Denise |date=November 28, 2024 |title=Canada Post temporarily laying off striking workers, union says |url=https://financialpost.com/news/canada-post-laying-off-striking-workers-union |access-date=November 29, 2024 |website=financialpost.com}}

On December 1, Canada Post presented a "framework" to CUPW in order to end the strike. CUPW said on their website that its negotiators were reviewing the framework documents.

On December 9, CUPW reduced its wage increase demands from 24% over four years to a 19% raise.{{Cite web |last=Chaya |first=Lynn |date=2024-12-09 |title=Union dropped wage demand to 19% over four years in Canada Post negotiations: CUPW |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/union-dropped-wage-demand-to-19-over-four-years-in-canada-post-negotiations-cupw-1.7139217 |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=CTVNews |language=en}}

On December 12, Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre asked Prime Minister Justin Trudeau when the government would step in to end the strike. Trudeau responded that the "best deals are made at the bargaining table".{{Cite web |date=December 12, 2024 |title=Settlement reached in complaint over Canada Post layoffs as strike hits four weeks |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/settlement-reached-in-complaint-over-canada-post-layoffs-as-strike-hits-four-weeks-1.7142771 |website=CTVNews}} The following day, Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon declared an impasse in the talks, and asked the CIRB to order the postal workers back to work.{{cite news |last=Dangerfield |first=Katie |date=December 13, 2024 |title=Canada Post strike: Minister seeks order to get workers back on the job |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/10916410/canada-post-strike-back-to-work-cirbrequest/ |accessdate=December 15, 2024 |work=Global News}} The CIRB ruled in favour of MacKinnon's proposal, and ordered the strikers to return to work by the morning of December 17.{{cite news |last1=Palma |first1=Jennifer |last2=Gale |first2=Stephen |date=December 15, 2024 |title=CUPW on Ottawa intervening in the Canada Post strike |url=https://globalnews.ca/video/10919244/cupw-on-ottawa-intervening-in-the-canada-post-strike/ |accessdate=December 16, 2024 |work=Global News}} A group of strikers protested the decision at the Moncton office of Employment Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor.{{cite news |last=Lapointe |first=Suzanne |date=December 16, 2024 |title=Tensions high at the Canada Post picket lines in Moncton |url=https://globalnews.ca/video/10921011/tensions-high-at-the-canada-post-picket-lines-in-moncton/ |accessdate=December 16, 2024 |work=Global News}}

As part of the CIRB's ruling, Canada Post's contracts with its employees were extended until May 2025 to give more time for negotiations.

Public reactions to the strike were mixed. In an Angus Reid poll conducted over the strike's third week, 34% of Canadians sided with Canada Post, 29% sided with the striking workers, and 37% were unsure or didn't support either side.{{Cite web |date=December 13, 2024 |title=Public support key but harder to keep as Canada Post strike drags on, experts say |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/public-support-key-but-harder-to-keep-as-canada-post-strike-drags-on-experts-say-1.7144357 |website=CTVNews}} Many Canadians accused the striking workers of "cancelling Christmas" due to the strike being so close to the holidays.{{Cite web |last=Chini |first=Joey |date=November 29, 2024 |title='It's getting a bit scary': Calgary Canada Post worker worried as national strike drags on |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/calgary-canada-post-strike-worker-1.7396244 |access-date=November 29, 2024 |website=CBC}}{{Cite news |date=November 29, 2024 |title=Letters to Santa stranded by the Canada Post strike? Here's how to get your kids a reply before the holidays |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/article-letters-to-santa-stranded-by-the-canada-post-strike-heres-how-to-get/ |access-date=November 29, 2024 |work=The Globe and Mail |language=en-CA}}{{Cite web |title=Canada Post strike impacts Christmas traditions |url=https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/video/c3038381-canada-post-strike-impacts-christmas-traditions |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202225512/https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/video/c3038381-canada-post-strike-impacts-christmas-traditions |archive-date=December 2, 2024 |access-date=November 29, 2024 |website=Atlantic |language=en}}

To prevent passports from being held in processing centres, Service Canada delayed the distribution of 215,000 passports. About ten million packages were not delivered.{{cite web |title=Canada Post says it missed delivering nearly 10M parcels amid strike |url=https://www.globalnews.ca/news/10888463/canada-post-strike-day-12/ |website=Global News |access-date=November 26, 2024 |archive-date=November 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241126144623/https://globalnews.ca/news/10888463/canada-post-strike-day-12/ |url-status=live }}

The strike negatively impacted Black Friday sales, with many small businesses unable to ship orders during their peak season.{{Cite news |date=2024-11-29 |title=Canada Post strike hampers Black Friday sales, holiday shipments as businesses' frustrations rise |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-frustrations-rise-as-canada-post-strike-enters-third-week-hampering/ |access-date=2024-12-18 |work=The Globe and Mail |language=en-CA}} The Canadian Federation of Independent Business reported the strike had cost small and medium-sized businesses $1.6 billion by December 13, and that 73% of small businesses intended to reduce usage of Canada Post.{{Cite web |date=2024-12-13 |title=Three-quarters of small businesses to use Canada Post less in future as the strike impact grows to $1.6 billion |url=https://www.cfib-fcei.ca/en/media/three-quarters-of-small-businesses-to-use-canada-post-less-in-future-as-the-strike-impact-grows-to-1.6-billion |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=Canadian Federation of Independent Business |language=en}}

Canada Post's Santa Claus letter program was suspended, with Canada Post saying that all letters received would be responded to once the strike is over, but that they could not guarantee responses before Christmas.{{cite news|work=The Canadian Press |title=Canada Post removes deadline for Santa letter program as strike continues |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/canada-post-strike-santa-letters-1.7401008 |publisher=CBC News |date=December 4, 2024 |access-date=December 9, 2024}} In some communities, members of the public, businesses and union locals organized their own drop boxes to receive letters to Santa.{{cite news |last=Simon |first=Chris |title=No mail? Don't fret, you can still get response from Santa |url=https://www.barrietoday.com/local-news/no-mail-dont-fret-you-can-still-get-response-from-santa-9928324 |work=Barrie Today |date=December 9, 2024 |access-date=December 9, 2024 |archive-date=December 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241210191446/https://www.barrietoday.com/local-news/no-mail-dont-fret-you-can-still-get-response-from-santa-9928324 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Lavoie |first=Joanna |title=Striking Canada Post workers continue annual Santa letter tradition, while also helping Toronto food bank |url=https://www.cp24.com/local/toronto/2024/12/07/striking-canada-post-workers-continue-annual-santa-letter-tradition-while-also-helping-toronto-food-bank/ |work=CP24 |date=December 7, 2024 |access-date=December 9, 2024 |archive-date=December 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241209233829/https://www.cp24.com/local/toronto/2024/12/07/striking-canada-post-workers-continue-annual-santa-letter-tradition-while-also-helping-toronto-food-bank/ |url-status=live }}

Due to the strike, Elections Canada did not provide voter information cards for the December 16 by-election in Cloverdale—Langley City.{{cite news |last=Kulkarni |first=Akshay |title=No voter information cards for upcoming B.C. byelection due to Canada Post strike |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/canada-post-strike-bc-byelection-1.7399312 |work=CBC News |date=December 2, 2024 |access-date=December 10, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207052539/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/canada-post-strike-bc-byelection-1.7399312 |url-status=live }} Some municipalities and condominiums were unable to provide public notices of their meetings.{{cite news|last=Chan |first=Cheryl |title=Canada Post Strike: What it means for your bills, cheques, letters to Santa and more |url=https://vancouversun.com/news/canada-post-strike-what-it-means-for-your-bills-cheques-letters-to-santa-passports |work=Vancouver Sun |date=December 3, 2024 |access-date=December 10, 2024}}{{cite news |last=Rantanen |first=Maria |title=Canada Post strike hinders City of Richmond's public notifications |url=https://www.richmond-news.com/local-news/canada-post-strike-hinders-city-of-richmonds-public-notifications-9900407 |work=Richmond News |date=December 3, 2024 |access-date=December 10, 2024 |archive-date=December 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204063546/https://www.richmond-news.com/local-news/canada-post-strike-hinders-city-of-richmonds-public-notifications-9900407 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Gioventu |first=Tony |title=Condo Smarts: Postal strike impacts notice of general meeting |url=https://www.timescolonist.com/homes/condo-smarts-postal-strike-impacts-notice-of-general-meeting-9839553 |work=Times Colonist |date=November 24, 2024 |access-date=December 10, 2024 |archive-date=November 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241125010858/https://www.timescolonist.com/homes/condo-smarts-postal-strike-impacts-notice-of-general-meeting-9839553 |url-status=live }}

Thousands of social assistance cheques went undelivered in British Columbia, although most recipients receive direct deposits.{{cite news|work=The Canadian Press |title=Thousands of social assistance cheques haven't been given out during Canada Post strike: B.C. ombudsperson |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/social-assistance-cheques-postal-strike-1.7403896 |publisher=CBC News |date=December 6, 2024 |access-date=December 9, 2024}}{{cite news|last= Collins |first=Lauren |title=Thousands of B.C. social assistance cheques not delivered amid postal strike |url=https://www.thefreepress.ca/news/40-of-bc-social-assistance-cheques-not-delivered-amid-strike-ombudsperson-7692026 |work=The Fernie Free Press |date=December 6, 2024 |access-date=December 10, 2024}}

On November 29, Canada Post asked the mail services of all other countries to stop accepting or sending mail to Canada, leaving all mail unprocessed in secure containers from November 15. This mail could not be delivered or even scanned due to the strike.{{Cite web |date=November 29, 2024 |title=Canada Service Suspension |url=https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/canada-suspension.htm |access-date=November 30, 2024 |website=usps.com |publisher=United States Postal Service}}

• 2018 Canada Post strikes
• Timeline of strikes in 2024

{{reflist}}

{{Notable labour disputes in Canada}}

Category:Postal strikes

Category:2024 labor disputes and strikes

Category:Canada Post

Category:Canadian Union of Postal Workers

Category:Labour disputes in Canada

Category:November 2024 in Canada

Category:Premiership of Justin Trudeau

Category:Postal history of Canada

Category:December 2024 in Canada