Ottawa, October 1(HS): Mail delivery across Canada has come to a standstill after thousands of postal workers launched a nationwide strike protesting sweeping government-backed reforms to Canada Post. The walkout began on 25 September, leaving millions without postal or parcel services, though the delivery of government cheques and passport processing continues.

The strike, organised by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), follows Ottawa’s announcement of drastic cutbacks, including the phasing out of door-to-door delivery for four million homes, reduced delivery days, the closure of some post offices, and higher pricing flexibility. Critics argue the changes could lead to mass job losses and undermine public access to essential services.

Prime Minister Mark Carney defended the reforms as necessary to keep the Crown corporation “viable,” citing steep financial losses. Canada Post lost C$1 billion last year and is projected to lose C$1.5 billion in 2025, with declining letter mail and intense competition in parcel delivery eroding its revenues. Once dominant, its parcel market share has plunged from 62% in 2019 to just 24% today.

The union, however, condemned the overhaul as a “direct assault” on public postal services and “good, unionised jobs,” urging Canada Post to explore alternatives such as banking and expanded government services. Negotiations remain deadlocked, with officials acknowledging a “wide gap” between the two sides.

Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu has not ruled out intervention to end the strike, recalling that workers were legislated back to their posts after a similar month-long walkout last year. Canada Post is expected to submit a revised offer in early October.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar