The postal disruption that began in late September has entered a new phase, with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) now conducting rotating strikes. Since October 11, postal employees have walked out in select regions on a rolling basis rather than through a full nationwide shutdown. The change allows limited mail and parcel delivery to continue while the union maintains pressure on Canada Post and the federal government.
Canada Post is gradually restoring operations where possible, though interruptions continue to shift across the country. With the rotating strikes in place, service pauses in affected areas and resumes elsewhere. The corporation has suspended all delivery guarantees and continues to warn Canadians to expect delays. A significant backlog remains from the earlier full work stoppage, and mail flow is returning only slowly to normal levels.
The move to rotating strikes followed a meeting last week between CUPW leaders and federal officials, including Joël Lightbound, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, who oversees Canada Post. That discussion appears to have influenced the union’s decision to pursue a more flexible strike strategy that keeps public attention on negotiations while avoiding a total shutdown. CUPW National President Jan Simpson says locals are being advised in advance when their regions will be affected.
Talks between Canada Post and CUPW remain ongoing, though little progress has been reported. Canada Post’s “best and final offer” was rejected by the union, and federal mediators continue efforts to narrow gaps on issues such as delivery models, job security, compensation, and long-term postal reform. Negotiations have been underway since late 2023, with both sides still far apart on key points.
For Canadian coin dealers, collectors, and auction firms, the continuing disruptions pose serious logistical challenges. The coin trade depends heavily on predictable, insured mail delivery for both domestic and cross-border shipments. The Canadian Stamp Dealers Association has already warned that prolonged strikes could harm small businesses and hobbyists alike, especially those shipping coins, tokens, and related collectibles through the postal system.
As rotating strikes continue, attention is turning to whether federal intervention may become necessary. Ottawa has so far resisted calls for back-to-work legislation, though pressure is growing from business groups and consumers alike. Binding arbitration under the Canada Labour Code remains an option if talks fail to advance. For Canada’s collecting community, a reliable postal network remains essential to keeping the country’s numismatic and philatelic markets moving.