As Canada Post operations resume, customers should expect delays

As Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) members begin to return to work following a nationwide strike, Canada Post is warning its customers to expect delays amid rotating strikes.

“Shutting down and restarting parts of our integrated national network with rotating strikes has always challenged our ability to provide reliable service to customers,” stated the corporation.

“As a result, all service guarantees will be suspended.”

The latest nationwide strike began at the end of September and lasted a little more than two weeks before the union announced a shift to rotating strikes.

“Given the duration of the national strike and with rotating strikes expected, when our operations resume, we will need to begin processing the mail and parcels trapped in our network,” added Canada Post.

“As we continue to operate with an unstable network, it will take time to clear the trapped volume and manage operational resources, so customers should expect delays in processing and delivery.”

The corporation explained that during the rotating strikes, the corporation will accept, process and deliver mail and parcels in unaffected areas.

As of Sunday afternoon, the affected regions on strike included Dawson Creek and Fort St John, BC, St. Anthony, NL, and Timmins, Ont.

“Once an item is inducted in our network, it will be secure but cannot be retrieved if that facility is affected by a rotating strike,” explained Canada Post.

“Items will be delivered as quickly as possible after a disruption is over and operations resume.

The corporation stated that new commercial volumes will not be accepted until Oct. 15.

“In the last year, Canadians and Canadian businesses have been subject to more than 170 days of strike activity by the CUPW, including two national strikes,” stated the corporation.

“The only pause in strike activity occurred during the Industrial Inquiry Commission process, which was ordered by the Government. This prolonged period of instability, uncertainty and disruption has significantly impacted Canadians and Canadian businesses, often without warning. As a result, they have moved to other carriers or are avoiding Canada Post altogether. The move to a different form of strike activity will not change that.”