On Friday, November 15, at 12:01 a.m. ET, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) initiated a nationwide strike, halting Canada Post’s operations. As a result, mail and parcel processing, as well as deliveries, have been suspended, and certain post office locations are temporarily closed. New shipments will not be accepted until the strike concludes.
Although Canada Post is a major player in Canada’s parcel delivery network, ZPods Canada has taken proactive steps to ensure your orders continue to reach you. We’ve partnered with trusted private carriers, including FedEx, Canpar, and Purolator, to maintain timely deliveries.
How Does This Impact You?
We continue to process and ship all orders without interruption. Most customers won’t experience delays, as we’ve established a reliable network of shipping partners to ensure packages arrive on time. Each shipment is routed through the best available carrier for your postal code to minimize disruptions.
That said, customers in certain remote areas may experience delays as Canada Post is often the only available option for final-mile deliveries. Additionally, heightened demand on private carriers during the holiday season may cause minor delays.
Who May Be Affected?
Shipping to remote areas presents unique challenges, particularly during the Canada Post strike. While most deliveries are handled by our private carrier network, some regions still depend on Canada Post for the final leg of delivery, including:
- Northern Territories: Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, where carrier infrastructure is limited.
- Remote Indigenous Communities: Areas that rely heavily on Canada Post services.
- Rural Atlantic Canada: Isolated regions in Newfoundland and Labrador and parts of Nova Scotia.
If you reside in one of these areas, we recommend monitoring updates from your local post offices or considering alternative delivery destinations where possible. Our support team is here to help you find the best delivery options.
If Your Package Was Shipped with Canada Post
If your order was dispatched via Canada Post, rest assured that your package is securely held at a Canada Post facility. While parcels are not being processed or delivered during the strike, they will be released and delivered as soon as operations resume. Canada Post will follow a first-in, first-out system to ensure prompt handling.
We understand the frustration this may cause and appreciate your patience. Our team is committed to keeping you informed and ensuring your orders reach you as soon as possible.
Impact on Small Businesses
The Canada Post strike has also affected small businesses and private courier companies, leading to service disruptions across the country. According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), small and medium-sized businesses have experienced daily losses of approximately $76 million, totaling over $1 billion in early December. Despite these challenges, ZPods remains focused on providing dependable service for our customers.
Stay Informed
December 16, 2024
Canada Post confirmed it will restart operations on December 17, 2024, focusing on clearing the backlog of mail and parcels delayed by the month-long strike. Workers will receive a 5% retroactive wage increase as part of the agreement. Labour Minister MacKinnon highlighted the urgency of resuming normal operations to minimize disruption for Canadians and businesses.
With workers returning, shipping services are expected to improve quickly and get back to normal.
December 14-15, 2024
Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon ordered postal workers back to work after the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) concluded that further negotiations would not resolve the impasse. The board extended the current collective agreement until May 22, 2025, and ordered the strike to end immediately. Postal workers were instructed to return to work on December 17, 2024.
December 10, 2024
As of December 10, 2024, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers' nationwide strike has entered its 26th day, causing significant disruptions to mail and parcel deliveries across Canada. On December 9, the union proposed new terms focusing on wage increases and job security enhancements; however, Canada Post indicated that these proposals have not brought the parties closer to an agreement, noting that some union demands have intensified. Consequently, all mail and parcel processing and deliveries remain suspended, with certain post offices closed and no new items being accepted until the strike concludes. Private courier companies are experiencing increased demand, leading to longer wait times and higher shipping costs for consumers and businesses. Some international postal services have suspended mail acceptance to Canada due to the backlog. Customers are advised to stay informed through updates from Canada Post and the union, consider alternative shipping options for urgent deliveries, and plan ahead for long.
To stay updated on the latest developments, including affected areas and operational updates, visit Canada Post’s Negotiations Updates.
At ZPods, we are dedicated to ensuring your experience is as smooth as possible, despite the ongoing disruptions. If you have questions or need assistance, our team is here to help. Thank you for your continued support!