Canada Post and CUPW—the postal workers’ union—have been locked in a bitter standoff over pay and job security for months. Now, CUPW has given official notice: they could strike as early as Friday, May 23.
What happens if they do? Best case: rotating strikes that slow deliveries. Worst case: a full shutdown that halts service and freezes mail across the country.
The government saw this coming. Earlier this year, they brought in an arbitrator to help settle the dispute. The final report just dropped—and it’s not great news for CUPW.
Here’s what the arbitrator said:
- Canada Post must have the flexibility to hire part-time workers.
- Rural post office closures and community mailbox conversions should resume.
- Canada Post is “effectively bankrupt.”
- Past strikes have caused customers to leave—permanently.
- CUPW is pushing for “even better than best-in-class” compensation in a failing system.
In short: Canada Post is on life support, and CUPW is asking for more oxygen.
Let’s be real. This isn’t just the union’s fault. Canada Post has suffered from decades of bad leadership and political interference. But today, the business is so broken that even holding the line on current benefits would be a win for workers.
Another strike could be the final blow. Mail volumes are down. Rates are up. Trust is gone. Customers have moved on—and they won’t come back.
The federal government owns this mess. They control the strategy, the finances, and ultimately, the future. And they have the power to end the uncertainty now—with legislation or leadership.
Let’s hope they act before the lights go out for good.
