CUPW strike update: Navigating the shipping disruption

For the latest updates on this ongoing situation, visit our status page.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) strike that brought Canada Post operations to a standstill over the holiday season will continue on May 22, 2025, unless long-term agreements are made beforehand.

Canada Post received new strike notices on 20 May 2025. CUPW has stated its intent to begin strike action at 12:00 a.m. local time on Friday, 23 May. If the strike occurs, shipping across Canada will be distrupted.

At ShipStation API, we understand the challenges this creates for your business. We’re here to keep you informed, help you prepare, and ensure your shipping workflows stay as smooth and reliable as possible.

To stay updated on this evolving situation, continue to check our status page for the latest information.

What does this mean for you?

Delivery delays: All mail and parcel deliveries are suspended until the strike concludes.

Fluctuating rates: shippers may see surcharges or fluctuating rates due to volume shift.

Post-strike backlog: Even after the strike ends, delays are expected as Canada Post works to clear the backlog of undelivered items.

What happens if I’ve already shipped a package to a P.O. Box or one of these postal codes?

During the CUPW strike, our network will securely hold your package or mail and deliver it to its destination once the strike concludes.

How do I mitigate shipping disruptions?

If you prepare ahead of time, you can make sure upcoming shipments arrive at the correct destination in a timely manner, and minimize the impact of the strike on your business and make timely deliveries.

Diversify your carrier options: Utilize ShipStation API’s platform to access a range of carriers and secure competitive rates.

Stay informed: Monitor updates from Canada Post and ShipStationAPI for the latest information.

Explore GlobalPost Plus: With this integration, ShipStation API users can pay duties and taxes upfront (DDP), so customers avoid surprise charges at delivery. Enjoy smoother customs clearance and ship confidently to major global e-commerce markets.

Double-check your customs information: Avoid unnecessary delays by ensuring that all customs forms are properly filled out. Including: tariff codes, product URLs in your customs declarations, descriptions, the recipient’s first and last names.

1/6/25 Update

Effective Monday, January 6, 2025, GlobalPost has resumed full service to Canada, including P.O. Boxes and previously restricted postal codes, and is now accepting mail and packages again for these destinations. 

Please note that due to the service interruption and the accumulated backlog from the CUPW strike, shipments to previously restricted postal codes may face delays.

1/3/25 Update

Effective Monday, January 6, 2025, USPS will resume full service to Canada and begin accepting mail and packages again. Starting Monday, January 6, 2025, you can create and print USPS labels destined for Canada using your ShipEngine account. Please note that due to the recent CUPW strike and accumulated backlog, shipments may experience delays.

NZPost resumed full service to Canada and is now accepting mail and packages again. You can now create and print labels destined for Canada using your [PRODUCT] account. 

Effective Monday, December 30, 2025, Royal Mail resumed full service to Canada and is now accepting mail and packages again. You can now create and print labels destined for Canada using your ShipEngine account. 

Please remember that due to the recent CUPW strike and accumulated backlog, shipments may experience processing and delivery delays.

12/17/24 Update

Effective December 17, 2024, Canada Post resumed operations and will be accepting packages again on December 19, 2024. Starting December 19th, you will be able to create and print Canada Post labels using your ShipEngine account.

How does this impact other carriers?

At this time, there are no updates from USPS or other disrupted carriers regarding Canada shipments. We’re closely monitoring and will share updates as available.

What should I expect now that Canada Post operations have resumed?

• Processing Shipments: As new volumes are accepted, mail and parcels will be secured and delivered on a first-in, first-out basis.
• Delays Expected: Customers should expect delivery delays through the remainder of 2024 and into January 2025.
• Detailed Information: Visit Canada Post’s negotiations page for more information to help you plan and prepare for the days ahead.

12-13-24 Update

“It is my view, and the view of the FMCS, that the parties are at an impasse,” said Canadian federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon in a statement earlier today. The Labour Minister is now sending the labor dispute between CUPW and Canada Post to the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) in an effort to resume Canada Post operations and get striking CUPW workers back to work. The resolution of the strike now requires CIRB to agree with MacKinnon’s assertion that the negotiations are at a standstill.

What does this mean for shippers?

Despite recent movements, this situation is still ongoing. Canada Post customers still cannot ship or print labels at this time, and will not be able to do so until an official announcement has been made. 

What are the next steps?

If the CIRB agrees, MacKinnon says the Labour Relations Board will order Canada Post, and all employees represented by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, to resume operations and extend the terms of existing collective agreements until May 2025. 

Canada Post announced that they are reviewing the Minister’s announcement to prepare to participate as the situation progresses and comply with the directive. 
To stay updated on this developing story, check this blog or read the latest CUPW negotiation updates.

12/10/24 Update

Effective December 6, 2024, GlobalPost will temporarily pause delivery to Canadian P.O. Boxes and certain postal codes for U.S shipments to Canada due to the ongoing CUPW strike. Since GlobalPost’s network relies on Canada Post for final-mile delivery, service to these regions will be impacted until further notice. When shipping, please be aware that Global Post is not sending an error message when a customer prints a label to these postal codes. Customers should refrain from shipping to these areas through Global Post.

For the list of postal codes that are affected, please reach out to our support team.

12/06/24 Update

On November 27, 2024, USPS announced that they would temporarily stop accepting Canada-bound shipments for any mail class, starting November 29, 2024, due to the ongoing CUPW strike. Other global postal carriers, including Australia Post, NZPost, and Royal Mail, have also temporarily halted acceptance of shipments to Canada as of November 27, 2024. Please be aware that shipments already in transit to Canada will be delayed. 

We recognize the impact these disruptions may have on your business. To continue shipping to Canada, we offer a range of carrier options with Canadian service to support you during this time.

As shipping volumes increase and more shipments shift to other carriers, it’s important to keep in mind there may be potential delays, as well as the possibility of demand surcharges being implemented by those carriers.Regarding the CUPW strike, the situation is still developing. On December 1st, Canada Post presented CUPW with a comprehensive framework in the hope of reaching negotiated agreements. There are no other updates at this time, however, we are committed to keeping you informed and supported, and continue to monitor the situation closely. Stay informed by bookmarking this blog for quick and convenient access.