Jobaaj Stories
📬 Canada Postal Workers Strike 2025: What You Need to Know
In late 2024, over 55,000 Canada Post employees initiated a strike, halting mail and parcel deliveries nationwide. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) led the action, citing unresolved issues regarding wages, job security, and working conditions.
⚖️ Government Intervention and Labor Board Ruling
After nearly a month of disrupted services, the Canadian government intervened. Labor Minister Steven MacKinnon referred the dispute to the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), which determined that negotiations had reached an impasse. Consequently, the CIRB ordered workers to return to their duties, extending the existing collective agreement until May 22, 2025.
💰 Key Issues Behind the Strike
The CUPW's primary demands included:
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Wage Increase: A 24% raise over four years, surpassing Canada Post's 11.5% offer.
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Job Security: Protection against outsourcing and better working conditions.
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Benefits Enhancement: Improved health coverage, including services like fertility treatments and gender-affirming care.
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Paid Leave: An increase in paid medical days from seven to ten, with provisions to bank unused days.
📉 Impact on Services and Businesses
The strike significantly disrupted services, especially in remote and northern communities where Canada Post is the sole mail provider. Critical items like prescriptions, bank cards, and passports were delayed. Small businesses and individuals relying on timely deliveries faced challenges, with some turning to private carriers.
🔄 Post-Strike Outlook
Even after the strike ended, Canada Post warned of continued service delays due to accumulated backlogs. The corporation also faces financial challenges, having reported significant losses in recent years. Analysts suggest that without structural changes, Canada Post may struggle to regain its market position.
