Canada Post strike enters new phase as CUPW denounces government reforms

OTTAWA – The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) launched a nationwide strike in opposition to sweeping federal postal reforms, denouncing what it called an “attack” on public mail service.

Meanwhile, Canada Post said it is reassessing its Global Offers in light of those same reforms and that significant gaps remain between the two sides.

In a statement published on its website, CUPW said the government’s proposals were rolled out without adequate consultation, and warned they threaten universal service, jobs and rural access. It took issue with reforms that include converting up to 4 million addresses to community mailboxes, lifting a moratorium on post-office closures, weakening delivery standards and giving Canada Post powers to raise stamp rates.

“In response to the Government’s attack on our postal service and workers, effective immediately, all CUPW members at Canada Post are on a nationwide strike,” the union said.

Canada Post and government pushback

Canada Post said it informed CUPW that, because of the government’s reforms, it will reassess its latest Global Offers. The corporation said the parties remain “far apart” and that it is prepared to present new offers “as soon as possible.”

The Crown corporation said CUPW’s counterproposals would impose more than $700 million in additional annual operating costs—about $2.8 billion over four years. It cited demands for expanded benefits, 17 personal days on top of existing leave, restrictions on contract services, limits on organizational change, and continued “trapped time” pay, meaning carriers are paid for a full shift even when work finishes early.

Canada Post said those demands risk worsening its financial position, especially given cumulative losses since 2018.

In its 2024 annual report, Canada Post reported a loss before tax of $841 million, bringing cumulative losses since 2018 to more than $4.5 billion. In its most recent quarter, it recorded a $407 million loss before tax, and said cumulative losses from operations since 2018 have now exceeded $5 billion.

The corporation has described the status quo as unsustainable and backed the government’s reform agenda as necessary to preserve a viable postal system.

CUPW said the union is preparing to defend public postal service through what it calls a forced “corporation review” by the government.