Canada Post Strike 2024 Explained

On Friday, November 15, at 12:01 a.m. ET, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) initiated a nationwide strike, bringing Canada Post’s operations to a halt. This has suspended the processing and delivery of mail and parcels, while certain post offices are temporarily closed. No new shipments will be accepted until the strike concludes.

Although Canada Post oversees a significant portion of parcel deliveries in Canada, POPVAPOR has taken proactive steps to ensure your orders continue to ship without delays. We’ve partnered with trusted private carriers like FedEx, Canpar, and Purolator to maintain timely delivery of your purchases.

How Does This Impact You?

We are continuing to process and ship orders without interruptions. For most customers, deliveries will not be affected, and packages will arrive on time. To navigate the strike effectively, we’ve built a robust network of shipping partners, selecting the best carrier based on your postal code to ensure reliable service.

However, customers in certain remote regions might experience delays, as Canada Post remains the only viable option in those areas. Additionally, increased demand on private carriers during the holiday season may cause minor delays.

Who May Be Affected?

Shipping to remote areas always presents unique challenges, and the Canada Post strike adds to these complexities. While we’ve partnered with private carriers to handle most deliveries, some regions still rely on Canada Post for final-mile service. These areas include:

• Northern Territories: Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, where alternative carriers have limited reach.
• Remote Indigenous Communities: Locations that depend heavily on Canada Post for deliveries.
• Rural Atlantic Canada: Isolated parts of Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as sections of Nova Scotia.

For customers in these regions, we recommend monitoring updates from local post offices and considering alternative delivery destinations if possible. Our support team is available to assist with finding the best delivery solution for you.

If Your Package Was Shipped with Canada Post

If your order was dispatched via Canada Post and hasn’t arrived, it’s likely being held securely at a Canada Post facility. During the strike, parcels are not being processed or delivered, and many post offices remain closed. Once the strike ends, all packages will be released and delivered as quickly as possible, following a first-in, first-out system.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through these challenges and assure you that your orders will reach you as soon as operations resume.

Impact on Small Businesses

The Canada Post strike has also strained private courier services and disrupted operations for small businesses across the country. According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), small and medium-sized businesses have lost an estimated $76 million per day, totaling over $1 billion in early December alone. Despite these challenges, POPVAPOR remains committed to delivering quality service and reliable shipping for our customers.

Stay Informed

December 16, 2024

Canada Post confirmed it will restart operations on December 17, 2024, focusing on clearing the backlog of mail and parcels delayed by the month-long strike. Workers will receive a 5% retroactive wage increase as part of the agreement. Labour Minister MacKinnon highlighted the urgency of resuming normal operations to minimize disruption for Canadians and businesses.

With workers returning, shipping services are expected to improve quickly and get back to normal.

December 14-15, 2024

Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon ordered postal workers back to work after the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) concluded that further negotiations would not resolve the impasse. The board extended the current collective agreement until May 22, 2025, and ordered the strike to end immediately. Postal workers were instructed to return to work on December 17, 2024.

December 10, 2024

As of December 10, 2024, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers' nationwide strike has entered its 26th day, causing significant disruptions to mail and parcel deliveries across Canada. On December 9, the union proposed new terms focusing on wage increases and job security enhancements; however, Canada Post indicated that these proposals have not brought the parties closer to an agreement, noting that some union demands have intensified. Consequently, all mail and parcel processing and deliveries remain suspended, with certain post offices closed and no new items being accepted until the strike concludes. Private courier companies are experiencing increased demand, leading to longer wait times and higher shipping costs for consumers and businesses. Some international postal services have suspended mail acceptance to Canada due to the backlog. Customers are advised to stay informed through updates from Canada Post and the union, consider alternative shipping options for urgent deliveries, and plan ahead for long.

For the latest updates on the Canada Post strike, including impacted areas and service developments, visit Canada Post’s Negotiations Updates.

At POPVAPOR, we’re dedicated to ensuring your experience remains as seamless as possible. If you have questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact our team. Thank you for your continued trust and support!