Canada Post Strike Mail Delivery Update: Parcels Begin Moving Again Amid Rotating Strikes
We from the newsroom bring you the latest on the Canada Post Strike Mail Delivery situation. After more than two weeks of a national halt, some parcels and mail are moving again. This shift comes as the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) changed tactics from a full national strike to rotating strikes. Below, we explain what happened, what it means now, and what to watch next.
Background: What led to the strike?
The dispute grew from long-running talks over wages, job security, and changes to how Canada Post operates. Negotiations began in late 2023 and stalled at times. On September 25, 2025, CUPW launched a nationwide strike that shut down regular mail and parcel processing at many facilities. The stoppage sent a shock through e-commerce, small business shipping, and remote communities that rely on Canada Post.
Rotating strikes explained
Rotating strikes are targeted and temporary. Instead of all workers striking everywhere, CUPW locals take turns disabling service in specific regions or facilities. That lets the union keep pressure on Canada Post while allowing other areas to operate. The goal is to maintain leverage without a full shutdown. For the public, that means service can resume in some cities but stay stalled in others.
Current update: parcels begin moving again
On October 11, CUPW announced it would move to rotating strikes. Canada Post then began a phased restart of operations where workers returned. Parcels and some mail started to move through the network again. Canada Post says it will accept and process items in unaffected locations and restart deliveries once a local strike ends. But the carrier warns delays will continue while it clears the backlog.
Mail delivery delays: what customers should expect
Even though parcels are moving, delays remain the norm. Packages already in the system may take longer to reach recipients. Letter mail and international items are also slower. Canada Post has emphasized that clearing the backlog could take days to weeks, depending on local strike patterns and capacity. Businesses that ship large volumes should plan for extended timelines.
How e-commerce and retailers are responding
Retailers and marketplaces have scrambled. Many have turned to private couriers for urgent deliveries. Others updated shipping pages and added warnings about longer delivery windows. Small sellers face higher costs and logistics headaches. Some large platforms temporarily paused non-essential shipments from affected regions until service stabilizes. The move to rotating strikes has softened the immediate disruption, but it has not ended the costs for sellers and buyers.
Government and union negotiation status
Negotiations are still active. CUPW said rotating strikes would keep pressure on Canada Post while allowing talks to continue. Canada Post and federal officials have remained engaged in efforts to find a deal. Past disputes have at times led to government intervention or referral to labor boards. That remains a possible route if talks stall further.
Why the shift matters beyond delays
Mail service is not just about parcels. For many people, seniors, rural residents, small businesses, and charities, a stable postal service matters for medicine deliveries, bills, and essential documents. The rotating strike approach reduces total disruption compared with a full national shutdown. Still, uncertainty makes planning hard for households and firms. The economy feels the ripple effects through slower commerce and extra shipping costs.
What to watch next
- Local strike schedules. Rotating strikes vary by postal facility. Local updates will show where service is paused or running.
- Backlog clearance. Watch official Canada Post updates for timelines on clearing packages. Expect staged recoveries.
- Negotiation moves. Any formal offers, mediation, or government referrals will shape the next phase.
- Retail responses. More sellers may shift to alternate couriers if disruptions linger.
Conclusion
The headline is simple: parcels are moving again, but the system is not yet back to normal. The shift to rotating strikes lets Canada Post process and deliver in many areas while the union keeps pressure on management. That means some relief for customers and businesses, but also ongoing delays and uncertainty. We from the newsroom will follow updates and post changes as they happen. Stay alert to local notices and official Canada Post announcements to know what to expect for your mail.
FAQS:
A rotating strike means postal workers stop work in different cities at different times. Mail service does not shut down everywhere at once, but delays still happen across the country.
Rotating strikes are planned walkouts in selected areas instead of a full shutdown. Workers in one location strike for a short time, then another group takes their turn.
Your parcels may move slowly or stay in sorting centers until workers return. Some areas keep working, but delivery times become longer and less predictable during the strike.
Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice. Always conduct your research.
