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.
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.
Will shipping to Canada be more expensive?
At this time, any rate increases you may experience are not directly related to the strike itself. However, due to higher demand for other carriers during disruptions, rates may fluctuate based on carrier availability on top of regular seasonal demand.
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.
