Canada Post Workers Resume Operations
ePost Global is pleased to advise that Canada Post workers are back on the job! Effective 8:00 am local time yesterday, all operations resumed at Canada Post.
After more than one month since the strike began on November 15th, Canada Post workers returned to work. Due to the duration of the strike and the holiday season Canada Post will require a time period to reset their operations and clear volumes of mail and parcels within their network. Canada Post has advised that this will be their focus for the first 48 hours after which they will begin receiving new volumes on a first-in first-out basis.
Our priority is to ensure a smooth transition of impacted volumes as we work closely with both Canada Post and USPS according to their plans and scheduling. ePost Global’s commitment is to accelerate the movement of shipments accordingly; however delays should be expected as Canada Post works hard to get back to normal.
Labour Minister unveils steps to end Canada Post strike
As the strike hits its 29th day, this morning the Minister of Labour Steven MacKinnon announced that he believes that negotiations between the Union and Canada Post are not working and stated it will be up to the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to decide if it agrees. If they decide that they are in agreement, the Canada Post workers will be forced to resume work under Canada Labour Code Section 107.
The Labour Minister went on to say “I have asked the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to assess the likelihood of the parties reaching negotiated agreements by the end of 2024 under the current circumstances, and if the CIRB considers this unlikely, to order the Canada Post Corporation and all employees represented by CUPW to resume and continue their operations and duties, and to extend the terms of the existing agreements until May 22, 2025,” (https://nationalpost.com/news/canada-post-strike-day-29)
See back to work legislation from the government here
The union in its response made it clear that they denounce this “assault” on their bargaining rights and accused the government of using its arbitrary powers to “let employers off the hook, drag their feet, and refuse to bargain in good faith with workers and their unions.”
See union official response to back to work legislation here
Based on what the Labour Minister has reported we can expect Canada Post workers to return to the job some time in the coming days however it is unknown when Canada Post will start accepting new mail and parcels. Their priority will be to move all mail and parcel volumes that is currently in their network since the strike began on November 15th, and we expect to receive a communication advising of some type of schedule for all staged mail and parcels awaiting to be inducted.
Canadian Federal Tax Relief Bill C-78
We hope this message finds you well. ePost Global has been monitoring Bill C-78 referred to as “An Act respecting temporary cost of living relief (affordability)” which proposes a two month Federal tax break for all Canadians from December 14, 2024 through February 15, 2025 by the Government of Canada.
Bill C-78 is currently in its third reading with the Senate and is expected to become law and go into effect on Saturday, December 14, 2024. Latest updates on Bill C-78 can be found here
Also referred to as the “Tax Break for All Canadians Act”, the tax relief is based on specific products that include snack foods, chocolate, children’s clothing, children’s shoes, diapers, toys, jigsaw puzzles, books and other products.
See Specific list of products and HS Codes here
These items would become zero-rated, during this time period, removing all GST (goods and service tax) and HST (harmonized sales tax) based on province at time of sale and at time of import.
In addition to the Federal tax relief, individual provinces are also considering giving Canadians tax relief on provincial taxes. This would include Quebec QST and PST provinces, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia. At this time only Quebec has confirmed they will not offer any additional tax relief.
In order to be compliant, should the bill pass the Senate, all ecommerce merchants selling goods/products that qualify based on the zero-rated list must be prepared to exclude the GST/HST tax calculations at checkout accordingly during this temporary time period of December 14, 2024 through February 15, 2025. Should the bill not pass, GST/HST tax calculations should remain as is. In the event that any provinces offer provincial tax relief, this too must be taken into consideration as a tax exemption at checkout. ePost will provide provincial updates as and when they are available.
ePost Global has been working closely with our Canadian customs broker ensuring we are in sync with program calculation adjustments on all tax changes if and when they become effective. ePost will continue to monitor the progress of Bill C-78 and share updates accordingly.
Canadian Federal Tax Relief Bill C-78 Passed
We are pleased to inform you that Bill C-78, referred to as “An Act respecting temporary cost of living relief (affordability)” which proposed a two month Federal tax break for all Canadians from December 14, 2024 through February 15, 2025 by the Government of Canada, has been passed by the Senate. Bill C-78 will go into effect on Saturday, December 14, 2024. Latest updates on Bill C-78 can be found here
As noted in our initial communication, Bill C-78, also referred to as the “Tax Break for All Canadians Act”, the tax relief is based on specific products that include snack foods, chocolate, children’s clothing, children’s shoes, diapers, toys, jigsaw puzzles, books and other products.
See Specific list of products and HS Codes here
These items would become zero-rated, during this time period, removing all GST (goods and service tax) and HST (harmonized sales tax) based on province at time of sale and at time of import.
It has not yet been reported whether or not individual provinces are also going to give Canadians tax relief on provincial taxes. This would include Quebec QST and PST provinces, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia. At this time only Quebec has confirmed they will not offer any additional tax relief.
In order to be compliant, all ecommerce merchants selling goods/products that qualify based on the zero-rated list must exclude the GST/HST tax calculations at checkout accordingly during this temporary time period of December 14, 2024 through February 15, 2025. In the event that any provinces offer provincial tax relief, this too must be taken into consideration as a tax exemption at checkout. ePost will provide provincial updates as and when they are available.
ePost Global has been monitoring Bill C-78 referred to as “An Act respecting temporary cost of living relief (affordability)” which proposes a two month Federal tax break for all Canadians from December 14, 2024 through February 15, 2025 by the Government of Canada.
Bill C-78 is currently in its third reading with the Senate and is expected to become law and go into effect on Saturday, December 14, 2024. Latest updates on Bill C-78 can be found here
Also referred to as the “Tax Break for All Canadians Act”, the tax relief is based on specific products that include snack foods, chocolate, children’s clothing, children’s shoes, diapers, toys, jigsaw puzzles, books and other products.
See Specific list of products and HS Codes here
These items would become zero-rated, during this time period, removing all GST (goods and service tax) and HST (harmonized sales tax) based on province at time of sale and at time of import.
In addition to the Federal tax relief, individual provinces are also considering giving Canadians tax relief on provincial taxes. This would include Quebec QST and PST provinces, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia. At this time only Quebec has confirmed they will not offer any additional tax relief.
n order to be compliant, should the bill pass the Senate, all ecommerce merchants selling goods/products that qualify based on the zero-rated list must be prepared to exclude the GST/HST tax calculations at checkout accordingly during this temporary time period of December 14, 2024 through February 15, 2025. Should the bill not pass, GST/HST tax calculations should remain as is. In the event that any provinces offer provincial tax relief, this too must be taken into consideration as a tax exemption at checkout. ePost will provide provincial updates as and when they are available.
Canada Post Strike and Union still at odds
Since our last update, Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) have exchanged new revised proposals back and forth with the latest received by Canada Post from the Union late on Tuesday, December 10th. A response from Canada Post was issued today with the headline “CUPW’s latest offer would add billions of dollars in unsustainable fixed costs to Canada Post”.
The update goes on to say that after careful review of the Union’s latest offer the “demands are unaffordable and unsustainable – adding billions of dollars in long-term fixed costs.” The two sides remain far apart in reaching negotiated contracts it seems and all mail and parcel delivery continues to be halted while the union members continue to picket nationwide.
Canada Post Strike and Alternative Delivery Options
On Sunday, Canada Post provided the Union with new proposals based on discussions during negotiations, which were called off by the government appointed mediator on November 28. The Union then prepared a counterproposal presented to Canada Post late on Wednesday night through the mediator. Although the two sides have not yet resumed direct talks, their continued communication is a positive sign, helping to keep progress moving forward.
As of today, Canada Post’s operations remain temporarily suspended, and no parcels or mail are being processed or delivered by Canada Post
Canada Post Strike Update and Nationwide Impact
As striking Canada Post workers continue with picket lines across the country, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has responded to the “comprehensive framework” and new proposals it received from Canada Post on Sunday. The framework includes proposals to bring greater flexibility to Canada Posts’ delivery model, while also demonstrating movement on other key issues that the union had expressed during negotiations.
In response, the Union stated that while some progress was made, and that Canada Post has moved closer to the Union’s position, the framework still remains far from something its members could ratify. The Union is ready to resume talks however, they have yet to be called back by the government appointed mediators.
USPS Suspends Service to Canada
On Friday, USPS announced it has suspended service to Canada after receiving notice that Canada Post will no longer be accepting mail and parcels from USPS and other foreign posts. During the suspension nothing can be tendered to USPS and any mail or parcels already tendered are on hold.
Nationwide Impact – Delivery Delays Expected
Now that peak season is in full swing, coupled with the Canada Post strike, alternative carriers all across Canada are seeing a significant surge in package volumes. Some carriers are already struggling to keep up with the increase and have started restricting volumes from customers in an effort to clean up the back logs they are already experiencing.
It is expected that several of these carriers will temporarily suspend service to customers until such a time that volumes can be managed within their networks.
Canada Service Disruption Update
On Wednesday, November 27th afternoon, USPS sent out the following communication:
Effective November 29th, 2024, the Postal Service will temporarily suspend international mail acceptance to Canada due to the foreign postal operator indicating that they are unable to process or deliver international mail or services because of the ongoing strike by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers.
Customers are asked to refrain from mailing items addressed to the following country, until further notice:
- Canada
This service disruption affects:
- Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI)
- Priority Mail International® (PMI)
- First-Class Mail International® (FCMI)
- First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS)
- International Priority Airmail® (IPA)
- International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL)
- Commercial ePacket® (CeP)
- M-Bag® items.
As of today November 29th ePost Global will hold any parcels and mail destined to Canada for USPS services in our facilities, until service is resumed. We will update you regularly on any developments or changes to this.
Canada Post Strike Continues
As the strike hits day eleven, both Canada Post (CPC) and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) remain at odds on several contract items.
Both parties are still in negotiations assisted by the government appointed “special” mediator who was appointed on Monday, November 18th in hopes to help facilitate discussions with intent to reach negotiated agreements: however it is being reported that thus far there have been no major breakthroughs in the talks. There is still no word as to whether the government will step in further at this time.
All mail and parcels are not being processed or delivered while the national strike is in effect, and some post offices are closed to the public.
Canada Post (CPC) continues to advise that service guarantees are impacted for items already in the postal network and that no new items are being accepted until the national strike is over. Items will be delivered as quickly as possible once their operations resume.
Canada Post Workers Continue to Strike
As reported on Friday, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) began a nationwide strike at 12:01 ET. Now on its fifth day, striking workers’ presence has increased significantly.
On Monday the government appointed a “special” mediator to help facilitate discussions. While both parties remain in negotiations, today it was reported that only a minimal amount of consensus has been made.
All mail and parcels will not be processed or delivered while the national strike is in effect, and some post offices will be closed. Canada Post (CPC) continues to advise that service guarantees will be impacted for items already in the postal network and that no new items will be accepted until the national strike is over. Items will be delivered as quickly as possible once their operations resume.
Canada Post Union Announces Nationwide Strike
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has announced it will begin a nationwide strike as of Friday, November 15th at 12:01 ET.
All mail and parcels will not be processed or delivered while the national strike is in affect, and some post offices will be closed. Canada Post (CPC) has advised that service guarantees will be impacted for items already in the postal network and that no new items will be accepted until the national strike is over. Items will be delivered as quickly as possible once their operations resume.
CPC stated, “All mail and parcels in the postal network will be secured and delivered as quickly as possible on a first-in, first-out basis once operations resume. However, a national strike of any length will impact service to Canadians well after the strike activity ends. Shutting down facilities across the country will affect Canada Post’s entire national network. Processing and delivery may take some time to fully return to normal.
“Canada Post had the opportunity to prevent this strike, but it has refused to negotiate real solutions to the issues postal workers face every day,” CUPW representatives stated, pointing to unresolved tensions around wages, pension benefits, and safety in workplace conditions.
A union representative also stated that Canada Post left them no choice when they threatened layoffs, and changing working conditions.
The Canadian Government had only offered assistance by providing mediation to help with the negotiations but has not indicated whether they will step in and mandate workers back to work now that the nationwide strike has commenced.
Latest Update on Canada Post Strike from USPS
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has started a national strike. Canada Post’s (CPC) operations will be shut down for the duration of the strike and customers will experience delays.
The USPS is in close contact with CPC leadership and is continuing to accept and transport mail to Canada. CPC has advised the USPS that contingencies are in place to handle the incoming volume but it will not be delivered until the situation is resolved.
CUPW Gives Strike Notice to Canada Post
As of this morning, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) provided Canada Post (CPC) with the required 72-hours notice for both its rural and urban mail carrier bargaining units. The union will be in a legal strike position as of Friday, exactly one year after talks on a new contract began.
The union said that despite talks that began November 15, 2023, “the parties remain far apart on many issues, including wage increases, pensions and medical leave.”
CUPW has not decided if a job action will take place immediately, saying it “will depend on Canada Post’s actions at the bargaining table in the next days to come.”
CPC has confirmed that the company had issued a formal lockout notice to the union, adding that unless new agreements are reached, the current collective agreements will no longer apply as of Friday, November 15th. They also added that they have no intention of ceasing its operations. “Instead, the Corporation is using the means under this section of the Canada Labour Code to adjust operations based on its operational realities and business needs.”
The Canadian Government has offered assistance by providing mediation to help with the negotiations but has not indicated whether they will mandate workers back to work should a work stoppage occur.
Canada Post has said in recent strike-related statements that it’s at a “critical juncture” and that “deteriorating financial situation could require the company to revisit its proposals.” With the upcoming busy holiday season, Canada Post also warned that continued labour unrest would have consequences for customers and consumers, especially in rural communities, not to mention the unfavourable results on the company
Canada Post and CUPW Contract Negotiations
Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) continue to negotiate as the 21-day cooling-off period officially ended as of midnight on November 2nd. This leaves either party now in a legal strike or lockout position under the Canada Labour Code after a minimum 72 hours notice is given.
Canada Post announced that both parties remain at the bargaining table and have agreed not to provide a 72-hour notice while discussions are productive. They also noted that their goal throughout these negotiations with the Union has always been to reach negotiated agreements without any labour disruption.
Canada Post continues to assure their customers that all operations, transportation and delivery of mail and parcels will continue to operate “business as usual” and that it would be a minimum of 3 days notice (72 hours) before any work stoppage could begin.
Canada Post and CUPW Contract Negotiations
In an effort to urgently reach a contract agreement, last night Canada Post announced that they have presented the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) with new global offers with enhancements including higher wage increases; however these enhancements are conditional to reaching a contract agreement without any labour disruption.
This comes only days after the Union notified Canada Post that their members are in favour of strike action should an acceptable contract not be reached by the end of the “cooling-off period” which expires on November 2, 2024. After this date, either party would be in a legal strike/lockout position under the Canada Labour Code as of November 3 with a minimum of 72 hours notice.
Although Canada Post continues to assure their customers that all operations, transportation and delivery of mail and parcels will continue to operate “business as usual” they are desperate to find common ground to avoid any work stoppage.
Canada Post and CUPW Contract Negotiations
Canada Post announced Friday evening that the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has advised that their members have voted in favour of strike action should an acceptable contract not be reached by the end of the “cooling-off period” of November 2, 2024. Until then negotiations will continue however this update confirms the CUPW members will exercise their right to strike as soon as November 3, 2024 with 72 hours advance notice given to Canada Post.
As negotiations continue, Canada Post has assured their customers that all operations, transportation and delivery of mail and parcels will continue to operate “business as usual”.
Canada Post receives Counter Proposals from CUPW
Canada Post has received counter offers from the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) for both the Urban and Rural and Suburban Mail Carriers (RSMC) bargaining units. The counter proposals come in response to the global offers Canada Post had presented to CUPW on September 25, 2024.
Canada Post will take the time necessary to review the proposals in detail. Discussions between the parties continue and are supported by conciliators. Our goal throughout this round of negotiations with CUPW is to reach negotiated agreements, without any labour disruption.
Working to reach negotiated agreements
We continue to work with CUPW to reach negotiated agreements that not only avoid a labour disruption, but also put us in a strong position to invest in the business and our employees, and meet the evolving needs of our customers.
Canada Post and CUPW Contract Negotiations
Canada Post announced today that they have presented global offers to their workers represented by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW). CUPW is currently holding a strike vote with its members to receive a strike mandate which is a required procedure under the Canada Labour Code.
ePost Global will continue to monitor the negotiations and are committed to keeping you informed throughout the process. Details below regarding today’s news.
Canada Post presents global offers to the Canadian Union of Postal Workers
After nearly 11 months of constructive discussions with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), Canada Post has presented global offers to CUPW for both the Urban and RSMC (Rural and Suburban Mail Carriers) bargaining units. These offers lay out the company’s proposals for each bargaining group.
Canada Post has heard CUPW’s concerns and worked to find solutions. We have presented fair and reasonable offers that reflect the important changes needed to modernize the postal service, while protecting and enhancing what matters most to our employees. The Corporation has proposed necessary changes to create a more flexible delivery model to better serve customers, compete in today’s ecommerce market and deliver seven days a week.
We continue to negotiate with CUPW to reach new collective agreements and avoid any labour disruption. We are working to put Canada Post in a strong position to invest in the business, our employees and meet the evolving needs of businesses like yours.
Meeting the needs of our customers and employees
We know we must modernize our network and operations. To better meet business, consumer and market demands, we are working to build a more flexible delivery model that considers delivery expectations, volume trends and the future growth of ecommerce. Modernizing and returning to financial sustainability will allow us to invest in the solutions that enable your business.
At the same time, we are committed to investing in our trusted workforce – the people who serve Canadians and Canadian businesses every day – and delivering the experience you deserve and can rely on.
Operations continue as usual
Negotiations continue with CUPW with the help of neutral conciliators. Business operations continue as usual during the conciliation process.
No labour disruption can occur before early November
- On August 13, the parties moved into conciliation, which provides an extended timeline to continue negotiating with the help of neutral conciliators
- The conciliation period typically lasts 60 days and can be extended if the parties agree.
- Following conciliation, if no agreement has been reached, there is a 21-day cooling-off period.
- Only after this cooling-off period would either party be in a position to initiate a labour disruption (following 72-hour advance notice).
- This means a legal labour disruption cannot happen before early November.
- CUPW is currently holding a strike vote with its members to receive a strike mandate. This is a required procedure under the Canada Labour Code
- Negotiations can continue throughout this entire process.
No labour disruption can occur before early November
We recommend utilizing ePost Global’s Priority Parcel with Del Con DDP for all shipments to Canada during this time.
This service utilizes our extensive network of final-mile delivery carriers:
- Covering the majority of residential addresses in Canada
- Except for PO Boxes and areas exclusively serviced by Canada Post with minimal delays.
Contact us with any questions or concerns:
📧 inquiries@epostglobalshipping.com
☎️ 866-785-8444
We understand that this is a critical time of year for our customers, and our top priority is ensuring your shipments are delivered as efficiently as possible.
Other services to Canada, such as PPT, PPDC DDU, and ePacket may experience significant disruptions.
Parcels designated for delivery via Canada Post and any other mail services reliant on Canada Post remain on hold. These items are being securely stored and will be lodged with Canada Post as soon as the strike concludes.
To support you through this disruption, we are:
- Strengthening our partner final-mile delivery network to ensure the best possible service.
- Providing secure storage for parcels that cannot currently be rerouted until they can be safely delivered.
- Offering personalized assistance through our experienced customer service and sales teams.
Regular updates on the situation will be provided as new information becomes available. You can also monitor updates on the official Canada Post site here.