Another Canada Post Strike Could Hit by May 22—Here’s What to Know

Another Canada Post strike could be just weeks away, as negotiations between the Crown corporation and the postal workers’ union remain unresolved. With their extended contract expiring on May 22, and no firm deal in place, more than 55,000 employees may walk off the job—again—disrupting deliveries across the country.

Talks resumed this month with the help of a federal mediator, but key issues like wages, job security, and workplace safety still divide the two sides. The looming deadline is stirring concern among businesses, consumers, and institutions who remember the 32-day strike in late 2024 all too well.

A Tense Deadline Looms

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) and Canada Post resumed negotiations this week, with help from a federal mediator. Their current contract extension—ordered after last year’s strike—expires May 22. If no new agreement is reached, a strike or lockout could begin immediately.

The last strike disrupted mail and parcels during the peak holiday season, prompting government intervention. This time, however, the stakes and leverage are different.

Key Issues on the Table

CUPW says it remains focused on four major priorities:

• Fair wages
• Health and safety protections
• Job security
• Pension rights and retirement dignity
  

Meanwhile, Canada Post faces severe financial pressure, having lost $3 billion since 2018. Executives warn the service could run out of money as early as Q2 2025.

What’s Blocking a Deal?

Union negotiators claim they’ve offered meaningful proposals, including weekend delivery solutions. However, they allege the Crown corporation is pushing for serious rollbacks, including increased contracting—something CUPW opposes.

For its part, Canada Post says the union hasn’t acknowledged market realities. Private carriers now dominate parcel delivery, while traditional mail continues to decline. These shifts are reshaping the postal landscape—and the agency’s bottom line.

Could the Federal Report Help?

A key turning point could be the industrial inquiry commission report due May 15. Headed by arbitrator William Kaplan, the report will assess:

• Canada Post’s financial viability
• Delivery model and performance
• Labour practices and internal governance
  

Both sides hope the findings will bring clarity and help close the gap between what workers want and what Canada Post can offer.

Is Another Strike Likely?

Experts say it’s too close to call. Labour lawyer Hena Singh notes both sides want to avoid damaging public trust—especially after last year’s chaos.

But Singh also emphasizes that neither side has much room to move. CUPW is under pressure to defend its members’ rights, while Canada Post is bleeding money and facing growing competition.

That tension is already being felt. Several banks and service providers have sent out customer alerts advising them to switch to e-statements or online billing in anticipation of delays.

What Happens If Talks Fail?

If there’s no agreement by May 22:

• CUPW members could begin strike action
• Canada Post may initiate a lockout
• The government could intervene again, possibly with another return-to-work order

But legal experts say any solution would need to address core concerns, not just pause the conflict again.

Will Canada Post and the union find common ground before May 22—or are we headed for another national mail disruption?

More…

• https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.6749351
• https://www.thestar.com/business/canadians-could-see-mail-grind-to-halt-in-just-over-two-weeks-if-deal-not/article_0b4d1ea3-9e98-4e04-af91-84843b55ed6e.html
• https://www.ctvnews.ca/kitchener/article/denied-again-canada-post-employees-long-term-disability-claim-denied-because-cancer-diagnosis-came-during-strike