12-17-24 Update
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 from USPS, or other disrupted carriers regarding Canada shipments. We’re closely monitoring and will share updates as available.
12-13-24 Update
“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.
12-10-24 Update
Effective December 6, 2024, GlobalPost will temporarily pause delivery to Canadian P.O. Boxes and certain postal codes for U.S shipments to Canada due to the ongoing CUPW strike. Since GlobalPost’s network relies on Canada Post for final-mile delivery, service to these regions will be impacted until further notice. Please be aware that Global Post is not sending an error message when a customer prints a label to these postal codes. Customers should refrain from shipping to these areas through Global Post. For the list of postal codes that are affected, please reach out to our support team.
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.
This temporary service disruption affects:
- Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI)
- Priority Mail International® (PMI)
- First-Class Mail International® (FCMI)
- First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS)
- International Priority Airmail® (IPA)
- International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL)
- Commercial ePacket® (CeP)
- M-Bag® items
We recognize the impact these disruptions may have on your shipments. Shipments already in transit to Canada will be delayed. To continue shipping to Canada, we offer a variety of carriers with Canadian service to support you during this time.
As shipping volumes increase and other carriers take on more shipments, it’s important to keep in mind potential delays are possible and demand surcharges may be implemented. 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. Stamps.com is 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.
On November 15th, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) began a national strike, resulting in a total shutdown of Canada Post operations. No mail or parcels will be processed or delivered for the rest of the strike. While negotiations are ongoing, there is no clear end date in sight. Concerned about how this may affect your international shipping schedule? Keep reading to learn more and prevent further delays.
Who is affected by the CUPW strike?
The strike notice is specific to Canada Post and affects all postage and parcels traveling through this carrier in urban, rural, and suburban areas around Canada. Packages already in transit through Canada Post will be delayed until the strike is resolved. Carriers using Canada Post for last-mile delivery are also impacted. At this time, P.O. Boxes and many rural areas will not be delivered to because Canada Post owns much of that responsibility.
Mailing and shipping delays
While both parties have expressed interest in resolving the dispute, no one knows when the strike will end. Delays may continue even after the strike ends, as Canada Post works to catch up with the backlog. As a result, packages sent before the holidays may be delayed if other measures are not taken.
I need to ship something before the holidays—what can I do?
Let’s say you need to send an envelope of important documents to your coworker in Toronto ASAP. Thankfully, Stamps.com connects to multiple carriers that do not use Canada Post for last-mile delivery, offering options to help minimize delays to Canada. Our rate advisor also helps you identify the best rates so your shipment gets into the right hands—no need for postage math. For additional guidance, our support team is available to help customers navigate our carrier selection.
What happens if I’ve already shipped a package to a P.O. Box or one of these postal codes?
During the CUPW strike, GlobalPost’s network will securely hold your package or mail and deliver it to its destination once the strike concludes.
Will shipping to Canada be more expensive?
Shippers may see surcharges or fluctuating rates due to volume shift at this time.
Where do I find information on the CUPW strike?
The Stamps.com support team is available to provide updated information as the situation evolves. For more updates, keep a close eye on Canada Post’s negotiations updates and Stamps.com notifications for the latest information.
