How to Navigate the CUPW strike 

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.

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. 

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. 

I need to ship something before the holidays—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 before the holidays. For additional guidance, our support team is available to help customers navigate our carrier selection. 

Will shipping to Canada cost more?

At this time, any rate increases you may experience are not directly related to the strike itself. However, due to higher demand for other carriers during disruptions, rates may fluctuate based on carrier availability on top of regular seasonal demand.

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 on Canada Post’s negotiations updates and Endicia notifications for the latest information.