As Canada Post’s strike enters its fourth week, major courier companies, including Purolator and UPS, are freezing shipments from some partners, intensifying disruptions during the holiday season. Here’s what you need to know about the developing situation and its broader implications.
Why Are Purolator and UPS Freezing Shipments?
Purolator, a subsidiary of Canada Post, announced it has paused service to select third-party partners, citing:
- Severe weather conditions.
- Surging shipment volumes due to the strike and holiday rush.
- The need to prioritize critical shipments and protect employee well-being.
UPS has also taken similar measures, leaving smaller courier services such as eShipper unable to process shipments temporarily. According to a notice obtained by The Canadian Press, the freeze on shipments is expected to last at least 48 hours.
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Canada Post Strike: The Core Issue
The nationwide strike by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has created widespread delays and financial strain. Key demands by the union include:
- Improved workplace safety.
- Equal pay for rural and suburban employees.
- Better job security.
Mediation talks were suspended last week, with the parties remaining far apart on critical issues.
Impact on Businesses and Consumers
Small Businesses Suffer
Many small businesses rely heavily on Canada Post for deliveries, especially in rural areas. Jeff Watson, president of Supply Post, revealed that his family-run newspaper business is unable to distribute thousands of copies to truck stops and newsstands. This delay has significantly impacted their revenues, leaving tens of thousands of dollars in receivables pending.
Consumers Bear the Brunt
An Angus Reid poll showed that 7 in 10 Canadians have already faced delays in receiving or sending packages. The strike has forced many to seek costlier alternatives, putting extra strain on household budgets during the holiday season.
U.S. Postal Service Suspends Canada-bound Mail
Adding to the challenges, the U.S. Postal Service has temporarily stopped shipments to Canada due to the ongoing strike, further limiting delivery options for Canadians.
Logistics Experts Warn of Long-term Delays
Jim Bookbinder, a logistics professor at the University of Waterloo, emphasized the severe consequences for small businesses and rural communities. He warned that even if the strike ended immediately, it could take weeks for Canada Post to clear the backlog.
Call for Government Intervention
With the holiday shopping season at stake, experts like Bookbinder are urging the government to intervene. While the federal government has historically hesitated to designate Canada Post as an essential service, growing public frustration may push Ottawa to act sooner rather than later.
What’s Next?
Purolator and UPS are actively monitoring their networks and have assured customers that services will resume as soon as feasible. Meanwhile, Canada Post is reviewing the union’s latest counterproposal, though a resolution remains uncertain.
For now, Canadians are urged to plan their shipments carefully, explore alternative courier options, and brace for potential delays as the strike continues to disrupt the nation’s postal services.
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