Around 55,000 Canada Post workers began a strike on Friday after failing to secure a wage agreement with the postal operator. The walkout, led by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), comes during the busy lead-up to the holiday season, when mail and parcel services are in high demand.
Union Demands Amid Stalled Negotiations
CUPW has been negotiating for over a year, demanding wage increases to match inflation, cost-of-living adjustments incorporated into basic wages, and improved safety measures for workers. Despite extended talks, little progress has been made, leading the union to issue a three-day strike notice earlier this week.
“After a year of bargaining with little progress, postal workers made the difficult decision to strike,” CUPW said in a statement.
Services Disrupted Nationwide
Canada Post confirmed in a separate statement that operations would cease during the strike. Mail and parcel deliveries, along with the operation of some post offices, will be suspended. The disruption is likely to impact businesses and individuals across the country, especially during the holiday shipping rush.
Government Mediation Efforts
In response to the strike, Canada’s Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon has appointed a special mediator to facilitate negotiations between the postal operator and CUPW. MacKinnon expressed urgency for a resolution, stating on social media platform X, “Canadians need them to reach an agreement. We are making sure that these two groups have everything they need to reach a deal.”
This marks the third time in recent months that Canada’s Liberal government has intervened in major labour disputes. Earlier this week, it halted disputes at the country’s largest ports. In August, it ended work stoppages at Canada’s two largest railway companies.
As the strike unfolds, its impact on Canada Post’s services and potential government actions will be closely watched.
With inputs from Reuters
