Canada Post Strike 2025: 55,000 Workers to Walk Out Friday Amid Ongoing Dispute

Canada Post is bracing for another major disruption as the union representing roughly 55,000 postal workers issued a strike notice Monday, with walkouts set to begin at midnight on Friday, May 23.

This comes less than six months after a 32-day strike during the peak holiday season left millions of parcels undelivered and created a severe backlog across the country.

What the Strike Means for Canadians

Once the strike begins, Canada Post will stop accepting new mail or parcels, except for social assistance cheques and live animals already in the system. Delivery services will halt until the strike ends, the Crown corporation confirmed.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) said it issued the 72-hour strike notice in response to concerns that the employer may “unilaterally change working conditions and suspend benefits.”

CUPW emphasized that its goal remains to reach new collective agreements, especially for 23,000 mail carriers affected by expiring contracts this Thursday.

Canada Post Responds: “Disruption Will Hurt Customers”

Canada Post spokesperson Jon Hamilton called the move “disappointing,” warning that it will increase stress for small businesses, charities, and individuals who depend on mail delivery.

He added that major customers have already started diverting deliveries to avoid delays, signaling potential losses for the organization.

Looming Financial Crisis for Canada Post

The strike notice comes just days after a government-commissioned report revealed that Canada Post is “facing an existential crisis”. The agency reported an $845 million operating loss in 2023, a figure experts warn could worsen if operations are shut down.

The 162-page Industrial Inquiry Commission report, released Friday, urged major reforms — including phasing out daily residential letter delivery and lifting moratoriums on rural post office closures. It also recommended allowing more part-time hiring on weekends to cut costs.

CUPW, however, strongly criticized the report, saying it reflects Canada Post’s internal agenda and ignores the union’s and public’s input.

What’s Next?

The union said there is still time to return to the bargaining table before the strike begins.

Meanwhile, the public is bracing for disruptions to bill payments, e-commerce, and medical deliveries. Local businesses that rely on Canada Post’s logistics may also be impacted.

Do you think Canada Post should cut services to stay afloat, or protect jobs and delivery standards? Share your thoughts below.

More…

• https://www.overheretoronto.com/canada-post-strike-nears-as-report-declares-it-effectively-insolvent
• https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/canada-post-strike-notice-1.7538696 
• https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/article/canada-post-workers-issue-strike-notice-poised-to-hit-picket-lines-friday