The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) began a national strike on 15 November, resulting in a full shutdown of Canada Post operations until 16 December, 2024. While collective agreements were reached, ensuring no further disruptions until 22 May, 2025, that window is now almost up.
Canada Post received strike notices on 20 May, indicating CUPW plans to begin strike action at 12:00 a.m. local time on Friday, 23 May. This will disrupt mail and parcel services across Canada unless an agreement is reached sooner.
Who’s affected by the CUPW Strike?
The strike affects all Canada Post services, including urban, rural, and suburban deliveries. Packages in transit will be delayed, and shipments relying solely on Canada Post for final-mile delivery will also be impacted.
What can you do?
If you need to ship something urgently, the Metapack platform allows you to connect to multiple carriers in our library, allowing you to make timely decisions and diversify your shipping options. Simply contact our support team who can guide you through this process
Staying updated
For the latest information on the strike, monitor updates from Canada Post and the Metapack status page. Our support team is also always ready to assist you.
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 Metapack account. Please note that due to the recent CUPW strike and accumulated backlog, shipments may experience delays.
NZPost resumed full service to Canada and is now accepting mail and packages again. You can now create and print labels destined for Canada using your Metapack account.
Effective Monday, December 30, 2025, Royal Mail resumed full service to Canada and is now accepting mail and packages again. You can now create and print labels destined for Canada using your Metapack account.
Please remember that due to the recent CUPW strike and accumulated backlog, shipments may experience processing and delivery delays.
12-17-24 Update
Effective December 17, 2024, Canada Post resumed operations and will be accepting packages again on December 19, 2024. Starting December 19th, you will be able to create and print Canada Post labels using your Metapack account.
How does this impact other carriers?
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.
What should I expect now that Canada Post operations have resumed?
- Processing Shipments: As new volumes are accepted, mail and parcels will be secured and delivered on a first-in, first-out basis.
- Delays Expected: Customers should expect delivery delays through the remainder of 2024 and into January 2025.
- Detailed Information: Visit Canada Post’s negotiations page for more information to help you plan and prepare for the days ahead.
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.
12/06/24 Update
On November 27, 2024, global postal carriers, including USPS, Australia Post, NZPost, and Royal Mail, temporarily halted the acceptance of shipments to Canada as of November 27, 2024. Please be aware that shipments already in transit to Canada will be delayed. We recognize the impact these disruptions may have on your business.
As shipping volumes increase and more shipments shift to other carriers, it’s important to keep in mind there may be potential delays, as well as the possibility of demand surcharges being implemented by those carriers.
Regarding the CUPW strike, the situation is still developing. On December 1st, Canada Post presented CUPW with a comprehensive framework in the hope of reaching negotiated agreements. There are no other updates at this time, however, we are committed to keeping you informed and supported, and continue to monitor the situation closely. Stay informed by bookmarking this blog for quick and convenient access.