Canada Post Grinds to a Halt as Workers Strike Over Job Cuts
On Monday, September 29, 2025, postal workers across Canada walked off the job in a nationwide strike that has brought mail and parcel deliveries to a standstill. The action, led by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), targets sweeping cost-cutting measures recently mandated by the federal government—measures union leaders say will eliminate thousands of jobs and degrade essential public service.
What Sparked the Strike?
The federal government recently directed Canada Post to reduce its annual operating budget by 22% over the next three years. Internal documents obtained by The New York Times reveal plans to close dozens of processing centers, automate sorting facilities, and cut up to 12,000 positions—nearly 40% of the current workforce.
“This isn’t just about wages—it’s about survival of a public institution,” said CUPW President Kamal Siddiqi. “They’re turning Canada Post into a skeleton operation while Amazon and private couriers fill the void.”
Infographic: Canada Post by the Numbers
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual Mail Volume (2024) | 8.2 billion pieces |
| Parcel Deliveries (2024) | 1.4 billion |
| Total Employees | ~31,000 |
| Proposed Job Cuts | Up to 12,000 |
| Processing Centers at Risk | 27 of 48 |
| Strike Start Date | September 29, 2025 |
Who’s Affected?
- Rural communities: Rely heavily on Canada Post for prescriptions, government documents, and groceries.
- Small businesses: Use Canada Post for affordable e-commerce shipping; many lack contracts with private couriers.
- Seniors and disabled Canadians: Depend on daily mail for pensions, medical supplies, and social connection.
- Holiday shoppers: With Christmas just 12 weeks away, delays could cascade into the peak retail season.
Government Response and Public Outcry
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland defended the cuts as “necessary modernization,” arguing that declining letter volumes justify restructuring. But critics—including opposition parties and municipal leaders—warn that privatizing core postal functions will deepen regional inequities.
“This isn’t efficiency—it’s abandonment,” said Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante. “When rural post offices close, entire towns lose a lifeline.”
Historical Context
This marks Canada’s first nationwide postal strike since 2018. Past work stoppages lasted 2–5 weeks and cost the economy an estimated $100 million per week in lost productivity and delayed commerce.
What’s Next?
Mediation talks are scheduled for October 3, but both sides remain entrenched. In the meantime, Canada Post has suspended all domestic and international mail processing. Customers are advised to use private couriers for urgent shipments—but at significantly higher costs.
