Canada Post Strikes: How Can Shippers Manage Holiday Peak Season?
Canada Post Strikes: How Can Shippers Manage Holiday Peak Season?
The rotating strikes launched by Canada Post workers following the collapse of collective bargaining negotiations pose a critical risk for shippers as the holiday season approaches. While less disruptive than a full-scale national stoppage, the sporadic short-term work stoppages in specific regions are causing mail and packages to face unpredictable delays.
The CUPW (Canadian Union of Postal Workers) called a national strike last holiday season, bringing Canada Post operations to a standstill. This year, the union is employing a rotating strike strategy instead of a complete shutdown, aiming to maintain pressure while reducing the burden on workers.
The action, which began in mid-October, has so far affected more than 18 locations at different times, including London and Cobourg in Ontario. The company states that deliveries in affected regions will resume at the fastest possible pace once the strike ends, but experts believe the risk of delays will increase as the holiday rush approaches.
Packages are still moving during strikes — but risk is growing
ePost Global VP Alison Layfield notes that while there are no significant delays in the Canada Post network currently, this situation could change as the holiday season nears.
Since CUPW does not announce strike timing and duration in advance, shippers find it difficult to prepare.
However, rotating strikes do not create a complete collapse like a national work stoppage.
CUPW President Jan Simpson explains it this way:
"Rotating strikes slow down the flow of mail and parcels somewhat, but do not stop them completely."
What should shippers do?
According to experts, companies reliant on the Canada Post network should strengthen customer communications immediately and diversify their shipping options.
1. Strengthen customer communications
eShipper VP Imtiaz Kermali says businesses need to clearly communicate potential delays to customers:
"Customers want to know what is happening, even if delivery is delayed."
Kermali also notes that offering customers express or premium shipping options would be a good alternative.
2. Turn to alternative carriers
Carriers such as UPS and FedEx are facing increased volume from shippers due to the disruptions at Canada Post.
UPS has temporarily suspended service refund guarantees for domestic Canadian shipments due to increased volume.
FedEx stated that it has taken necessary measures to manage the increased load but did not provide details.
According to both companies, the holiday season already creates high volume pressure. For this reason, companies should maintain alternative carriers even during turbulent periods.
As Kermali puts it:
"Strike or no strike, the holiday season already creates congestion across all networks — backup options are always necessary."
3. Local delivery networks in major cities are critical
John McClymont from Operational Innovations warns that CUPW could concentrate rotating strikes especially in major cities with high volumes.
For this reason, particularly in:
Toronto
Montreal
Vancouver
Calgary
Edmonton
having strong local delivery partners becomes critical.
Risk management during the holiday season
NRF and Hackett Associates data show that retail inventory levels are already strong and most demand is being met early. However, due to the unpredictable nature of rotating strikes:
high-volume e-commerce orders,
B2B shipments,
shipments to rural areas
become particularly at-risk.
Canada Post still plays a unique role:
The only operator providing PO Box delivery,
Unmatched coverage in rural and remote areas.
For this reason, hybrid shipping strategies are recommended rather than switching entirely to alternative carriers during the strike.
Key Takeaways:
Canada Post workers are implementing rotating strikes; the holiday season increases delay risk.
Strikes are not announced in advance, making planning difficult.
Shippers should increase customer communication and add alternative carriers.
UPS and FedEx are adjusting their networks due to volume increases.
Local delivery partners are critically important in major cities.
Canada Post cannot be completely bypassed since it remains unmatched for PO Box and rural deliveries.
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News Link: https://www.supplychaindive.com/news/canada-post-strike-holiday-delays-shipper-guide/804664/
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Author: SedatOnat.com
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