Postal Workers in Canada Strike Amid Service Overhaul Concerns
Postal workers in Canada have initiated a strike after the government described an “existential crisis” within the national postal service and mandated significant changes, including the phase-out of door-to-door delivery within ten years.
The union representing Canada Post employees criticized the proposed measures, calling them unfair to workers who already face growing competition from private delivery services.
The strike, announced late Thursday, marks the second work stoppage in the past year. Mail and parcels will not be processed or delivered during the strike, and no new items will be accepted.
“Operations will cease nationwide, impacting millions of individuals and businesses,” the postal service stated.
Public Works Minister Joël Lightbound said Canada Post is “effectively insolvent,” even after receiving a C$1 billion loan. He emphasized that repeated financial support is unsustainable for an organization that has lost over $4 billion since 2018. In its latest quarter, Canada Post reported its worst-ever quarterly loss of $407 million.
“This service is vital, particularly for rural, remote, and Indigenous communities, and Canadians rightly want it preserved,” Lightbound said, noting the postal service faces an “existential crisis.”
To address the losses, the government, as the sole shareholder, has ordered the end of door-to-door mail delivery and the closure of some post offices. Canada Post has 45 days to develop a restructuring plan.
The union condemned the minister’s remarks, stating it was “outraged and appalled.”
“Canada Post has consistently avoided meaningful negotiations and instead sought government intervention. This latest move is no different,” the union said.
Talks between the union and Canada Post have stretched over 20 months without resolution.
The postal service has struggled to compete with private couriers, which offer faster and cheaper services. Letter delivery, which peaked in 2006, has declined sharply.
Changes to reduce labor costs and redesign delivery routes have also faced union opposition, with concerns about job losses and increased reliance on part-time or temporary workers.
Business groups warned that small firms could face severe disruptions ahead of the holiday season. Last November’s strike reportedly cost small businesses $1 billion in lost sales.
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