What the resumption of services at Canada Post means

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Canada Post workers are set to return to their routes on Dec. 17, following a decisive ruling by the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB). But as the clock ticks toward the holidays, Canadians are left wondering: what happens to the mountains of undelivered mail, the fate of delayed Christmas packages, and the unresolved contract negotiations between the Crown corporation and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW)? Here are answers to some of Canadians’ most pressing questions: 

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When will postal workers be fully back to work?

Canada Post has confirmed that operations will resume at 8 a.m. local time on Tuesday, Dec. 17. However, the ramp-up will be gradual, as stabilizing a national network of depots, processing plants, and post offices will take time. The company stated it will not accept or pick up new parcels or mail until Thursday, Dec. 19, to focus on clearing the backlog of items already in the system.

Post office hours of operation may also vary during this period, and Canada Post encourages Canadians to monitor updates on their website.

How will Canada Post tackle the backlog?

The strike, which began on Nov. 15, has left an estimated 12 million items delayed in the system. Canada Post will begin processing these items on a first-in, first-out basis, prioritizing mail and parcels trapped in the network during the strike.

The company has emphasized that clearing the backlog will take time and that delivery delays could extend through the end of 2024 and into January 2025. Time-sensitive shipments like medical supplies and deliveries to northern and remote communities, which rely heavily on postal services, are expected to take precedence.

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Additionally, Canada Post will only begin accepting new international mail and parcels on Dec. 23. Customers shipping internationally should expect disruptions to continue well into 2025.

Will packages arrive in time for Christmas?

For Canadians awaiting holiday deliveries, Canada Post has warned of delays due to the backlog and a suspension of service guarantees. The company’s Dec. 16 statement emphasized that clearing the network will take time and told customers to expect disruptions even after operations resume.

Delivery times will vary by region, depending on the volume of mail in the system. Canada Post encourages customers to check regularly for updates and manage their expectations accordingly.

What does this mean for Canada Post’s competitors?

Courier companies have been working at capacity to absorb the increased volume of parcels during the strike.

Purolator, a Canada Post subsidiary, has managed more than 43 million packages this peak season, with more than 25 million shipments expected in the month before Christmas. Severe weather and surging volumes led Purolator to temporarily stop accepting new shipments earlier this month to avoid further strain on its distribution network. The company says it is prioritizing “critical shipments” while working to stabilize service levels.

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FedEx introduced a temporary limit of five packages per drop-off at retail locations and activated contingency plans to manage the influx. UPS, meanwhile, paused some shipments to alleviate bottlenecks.

With Canada Post’s return to operations, the impact on these competitors will depend on how quickly the postal backlog clears. Customers may see a gradual easing of temporary surcharges introduced during the strike, though no formal announcements have been made.

What’s next in the negotiations process?

While operations are resuming, the underlying contract dispute remains unresolved. The CIRB ruling extends the terms of the expired collective agreements until May 22, 2025, giving Canada Post and CUPW time to finalize new contracts.

Canada Post has proposed a five per cent wage increase, retroactive to the expiration dates of the collective agreements, and this has been accepted for now. Regular employees will receive an upfront payment of $1,000 before Christmas, while temporary workers will receive $500 if they meet minimum hour thresholds.

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In the meantime, Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon, who directed the federal labour board to mandate a return to work if no deal was achievable by year’s end, will appoint an inquiry commission to address the conflict’s structural issues and propose solutions by May 15, 2025.

How long will it take to return to normal?

Canada Post has yet to provide a clear timeline for when operations will fully normalize, leaving Canadians in a state of suspense. Given the sizable backlog and potential operational challenges in the first 48 hours, it may take weeks for the network to regain its usual rhythm.

• Email: shcampbell@postmedia.com

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