How to Navigate the CUPW strike 

For the latest updates on this ongoing situation, visit our status page.

On 15 November 2024, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) launched a nationwide strike, suspending all Canada Post services until 16 December 2024. With the strike now paused, current collective agreements have been extended through 22 May 2025—guaranteeing no further disruptions until that date.

As negotiations continue toward a long-term agreement, Canada Post received new strike notices on 20 May 2025. CUPW intends to resume strike action at 12:00 a.m. local time on Friday, 23 May, which could impact mail delivery across Canada if no resolution is reached.

At Endicia, we know how unpredictable events like this can affect your business. We’re here to keep you informed, help you stay proactive, and ensure your shipping operations remain as seamless as possible.

What does the CUPW strike mean?

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. At this time, P.O. Boxes and many rural areas will not be delivered to because Canada Post owns much of that responsibility.

Mailing and shipping delays 

While both parties have expressed interest in coming to an agreement, no one knows when the strike will end. As Canada Post works to catch up with the backlog, delays may continue even after the strike ends. Packages you might want to send before the holiday season may be delayed if other measures are not taken. 

What happens if I’ve already shipped a package to a P.O. Box or one of these postal codes?

During the CUPW strike, GlobalPost’s network will securely hold your package or mail and deliver it to its destination once the strike concludes.

I need to ship something to Canada—what can I do?

If you need to send a package to Alberta, for example, Endicia can connect you to multiple  carriers that do not use Canada Post for last-mile delivery, to get your shipment to its destination. In addition to diversifying your carriers, there are other things to be mindful of.

Submit Accurate Customs Info:
Avoid delays by completing customs forms properly:

• Include product URLs
• Use clear, specific item descriptions
• List recipients’ full names (not business names)
• Ensure values are accurate and consistent
• Use correct tariff codes

Simplify with GlobalPost Plus:
With GlobalPost Plus, ShipStation users can pay duties and taxes upfront (DDP), avoiding surprise charges and improving customer satisfaction—plus benefit from streamlined customs clearance.

For additional guidance, our support team is available to help customers navigate our carrier selection. 

Will shipping to Canada cost more?

Shippers may see surcharges or fluctuating rates due to volume shift.

Where do I find information on the CUPW strike?

The Endicia support team is available to provide updated information as the situation evolves. For more updates, keep a close eye Endicia’s status page for the latest information.

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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? Read on.

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1/6/25 Update

Effective Monday, January 6, 2025, GlobalPost has resumed full service to Canada, including P.O. Boxes and previously restricted postal codes, and is now accepting mail and packages again for these destinations. 

Please note that due to the service interruption and the accumulated backlog from the CUPW strike, shipments to previously restricted postal codes may face delays.

1/3/25 Update

Effective Monday, January 6, 2025, USPS will resume full service to Canada and begin accepting mail and packages again. Starting Monday, January 6, 2025, you can create and print USPS labels destined for Canada using your Endicia account. Please note that due to the recent CUPW strike and accumulated backlog, shipments may experience delays.

12/10/24 Update

Effective December 6, 2024, GlobalPost will temporarily pause delivery to Canadian P.O. Boxes and certain postal codes for U.S shipments to Canada due to the ongoing CUPW strike. Since GlobalPost’s network relies on Canada Post for final-mile delivery, service to these regions will be impacted until further notice. Please be aware that Global Post is not sending an error message when a customer prints a label to these postal codes. Customers should refrain from shipping to these areas through Global Post. 

For the list of postal codes that are affected, please reach out to our support team.

12/06/24 Update

On November 27, 2024, USPS announced a temporary suspension of all Canada-bound shipments, across all mail classes, effective November 29, 2024, in response to the ongoing CUPW strike.

This temporary service disruption affects:

• Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI)
• Priority Mail International® (PMI) 
• First-Class Mail International® (FCMI)
• First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS)
• International Priority Airmail® (IPA)
• International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL)
• Commercial ePacket® (CeP)
• M-Bag® items

We recognize the impact these disruptions may have on your shipments. Shipments already in transit to Canada will be delayed. To continue shipping to Canada, we offer a variety of carriers with Canadian service to support you during this time.

As shipping volumes increase and other carriers take on more shipments, it’s important to keep in mind potential delays are possible and demand surcharges may be implemented. 

12-17-24 Update

Effective December 17, 2024, Canada Post resumed operations and will be accepting new mail and parcels on December 19, 2024. At this time, there are no updates from USPS, or other disrupted carriers regarding Canada shipments. We’re closely monitoring and will share updates as available.

12-13-24 Update

“It is my view, and the view of the FMCS, that the parties are at an impasse,” said Canadian federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon in a statement earlier today. The Labour Minister is now sending the labor dispute between CUPW and Canada Post to the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) in an effort to resume Canada Post operations and get striking CUPW workers back to work. The resolution of the strike now requires CIRB to agree with MacKinnon’s assertion that the negotiations are at a standstill.