A potential strike at Canada Post is on the horizon, and small businesses in Canada—especially those in eCommerce and product-based industries—need to prepare now.
With negotiations between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) stalled, a strike could begin immediately after the current contract expires on May 22, 2025. During the last disruption, nearly 10 million parcels went undelivered. If you rely on shipping to serve your customers, this could affect you in more ways than one.
Here’s what’s happening, what’s at stake, and what smart Canadian businesses are doing right now to stay ahead.
💡 What’s Going On?
CUPW is demanding better pay and job protections—requesting a 24% wage increase over four years—while Canada Post is offering 11.5%. The dispute is serious enough that Canada Post has paused negotiations to regroup, and no new date has been confirmed to resume talks.
That means there’s a very real chance of a full work stoppage starting May 22.
🔍 Why This Matters to Your Canadian Business
A Canada Post strike doesn’t just mean late mail—it can disrupt operations in several ways:
- Shipping delays and customer complaints
- Missed delivery deadlines for eCommerce orders
- Return logistics challenges
- Overload on alternative couriers like UPS and FedEx
- Higher shipping costs due to emergency surcharges
Whether you're a Shopify merchant, a wholesaler, or a subscription box company, delivery reliability is part of your product experience. A delay—even if it’s not your fault—can hurt your brand.
✅ What You Can Do Right Now
1. Set Up Multiple Shipping Carriers
If you’re using Canada Post as your default carrier, diversify immediately. Platforms like ClickShip, ShipStation, and Stallion Express allow you to integrate FedEx, Canpar, and UPS into your workflow. Avoid being caught with all your eggs in one basket.
2. Update Customer Expectations
Now’s the time to tweak your checkout messaging, FAQs, and confirmation emails. Be transparent about the potential for strike delays. Customers don’t need guarantees—they need honesty and proactive communication.
3. Offer Local Pickup or Courier Delivery
If you have a local customer base, consider offering in-person pickup or same-day delivery using a local courier. You’ll bypass national delays altogether and create a positive experience while others scramble.
4. Pre-Pack and Label Orders
If you’re running promotions, product drops, or restocks, pre-pack your inventory now. Many fulfillment centers and 3PLs will allow you to stage your orders so they’re ready to go the moment a carrier is available.
5. Communicate with Suppliers
If you receive inventory, components, or materials by mail, check in with your suppliers about their contingency plans. Ask for tracking, alternate shipping methods, or earlier dispatches to avoid disruption in your production cycle.
📊 A Strike Is Also a Strategy Opportunity
Times of disruption tend to separate reactive businesses from strategic ones. This is a chance to build trust with your customers, streamline your operations, and explore better logistics solutions.
Ask yourself:
- Should I be working with a fulfillment partner that offers multi-carrier support?
- Can I optimize my shipping zones or offer tiered delivery options?
- Do I need to rethink how I handle returns and exchanges?
Those who adapt now won’t just survive a strike—they’ll come out stronger on the other side.
🏢 How TradeSpace Can Help
TradeSpace is built for moments like these. As a flexible warehousing solution and fulfillment centre in Calgary, we help small and mid-sized businesses stay agile with real-time inventory tracking, access to multiple carriers, and a hands-on team that adapts quickly to market disruptions. Whether you need temporary space for overflow inventory, support with relabeling and rerouting, or help navigating courier changes, we’re here to make logistics the least of your worries.
If you’re looking for a more resilient way to manage your fulfillment process—strike or no strike—reach out to us and let’s chat.
