Canada Post workers have been on strike for almost a month, and as frustrations mount on both sides, reactions among Canadians have been mixed.
On November 15, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) announced that over 55,000 employees would be on strike nationwide, leaving many Canadians and business owners in the lurch during the busy holiday shopping season.
Canada Post said on Sunday that it’s waiting for a response after sending CUPW a proposal.
“Our proposals include significant moves to close the gap on key issues like weekend delivery, pensions and wages to reach new agreements and get our people back to work,” they stated.
However, in an email to Daily Hive, CUPW said they’re “disappointed and frustrated” with the latest proposal.
“Over a year into bargaining and three weeks into a strike, the proposals still contain drastic changes and rollbacks that no union in the world would ever accept,” they stated.
It’s not the first time a Canada Post strike has lasted for an extended period.
Kat Om/Shutterstock
According to The Council of Canadians, workers went on a 42-day strike in 1981, demanding paid parental leave. This time, employee demands include wage increases, disability payments, additional medical leave, paid rest periods and job protection.
Some furious, others allied with workers
According to an Angus Reid report published on December 4, the strike has affected seven out of 10 Canadians. A poll reveals that 34% side with Canada Post, while 29% side with the workers.
Angus Reid Institute
Affected Canadians are sharing their frustrations online, with one small business owner stating that customers have simply gotten “fed up with waiting.”
“I’m a small artist with a shopfront, and I’ve had to refund almost $2,000 of orders, and more are probably coming as my customers get fed up with waiting,” wrote Reddit user trashchaser. “I won’t get another busy season until late spring, so this is REALLY painful. I can’t just eat the shipping cost differences because it’s often nearly my entire profit worth.”
One TikToker vented her frustrations, telling Canada Post workers to “go back to f*cking work,” suggesting that the Crown corporation replace striking employees.
@boldmovesolutions♬ original sound – Erin | The Lazy Millionaire
I don’t stand behind essential workers that go on strike. They are hurting the consumers more than anyone and it just seems selfish to me. Think about how many families you are affecting.
— Melissa Geropolis (@MGeropolis) December 8, 2024
Canada is such a joke that our government-owned mail company, Canada post, has been on strike for 3-4 weeks during the busiest time of year.
Mail should be an essential service especially when it’s a crown corp.
No way they should be allowed to strike.
— Ryan (@ryanboothops) December 8, 2024
One X user stated that a strike during the holiday season is “criminal” and has drastically affected their business.
fuck Canada Post. seriously fuck every single fucking Canada Post employee. you want more money ? go get a different fucking job. striking for 4 weeks at the end of November is CRIMINAL and has likely devasted our business beyond repair. Fuck. Canada. Post.
— mo 𓆏 (@youngvoorheez) December 7, 2024
In response, one commenter quipped, “It’s almost like that’s the leverage.”
“I’m only angry because it fucks my business!”
Man, it’s almost like that’s the leverage, my guy.
— X, home of the stupid (@BirnieBurns) December 8, 2024
However, many appear angered by the “anti-work” sentiments shared online and showed solidarity for workers despite facing inconveniences.
I’m tired of this anti-worker bullshit.
Bet you didn’t know the union wants to extend services to include the weekends but staff it with full time employees but Canada Post wants to use more part-time employees. https://t.co/evc2N7kW2T
— queen. 🍉 (@demonicrat_) December 8, 2024
So many of us are barely making it. Struggling to make ends meet. Frustrated by the rising cost of living and the stagnant salaries. I get that this strike is “inconvenient”, but Canada Post workers are literally fighting for liveable working conditions. They aren’t the enemy.
— Susanne Nyaga (she/her) (@susanne_nn) December 8, 2024
“It sucks. It’s putting my side hustle on hold. But I don’t mind. Being in a union myself, I want Canada Post workers to get a fair deal,” stated Reddit user crx00.
Even the American Postal Workers Union (APWU), which supports 200,000 United States Postal Service (USPS) employees, has shared its support online.
We proudly stand with the striking workers of @cupw in their strike at @canadapostcorp. Your goals are our goals, and your victory will be our victory.
Solidarity Forever! pic.twitter.com/g7MWoQ8wgW
— The American Postal Workers Union – APWU (@APWUnational) December 8, 2024
Despite the effect of the strike, one TikToker pointed out how Canadians would be affected in the long term if a public service like Canada Post were privatized.
@itsgottobekd #canadapost #solidarity #unions ♬ original sound – Itsgottobekd
Others are pointing out that anger towards striking workers is misplaced.
“It’s crazy how we are mad at Canada Post and not mad at the government for not giving Canada Post most funding so they can give more wages,” wrote TikTok user ItsJayorWhatever.
Reddit user keiths31 said, “I’m absolutely fine with workers having a good living wage, but the service from Canada Post has dropped significantly over the years in both pricing and services, and that falls on both managing workers.”
a lot of you could stand to remember that a strike is supposed to be inconvenient!!! Instead of being mad at the posties, have you considered being mad at the CANADA POST CORPORATION??
— housewife, esq (@educ8edhouzwife) December 8, 2024
In an article published on Powell River Peak, Noah Bourcier, president of Local 808, Canadian Union of Postal Workers, dispels misconceptions about the strike. He stated that reported financial losses “are misleading” due to “clever accounting.” He also pointed out that the Canada Post-owned Purolator made “$2.5 billion in annual revenue over the last four years.”
“If Canada Post was, in fact, suffering the losses they claim to be suffering, and we’re already taxpayer-funded, why not just bail them out?” asked Bourcier. “It’s because the financial losses are simply a fallacy meant to pit the Canadian public against working class, taxpaying people who simply want what they deserve.”
Have you or your business been affected by the Canada Post strike? If so, share your thoughts with us at [email protected].
With files from Isabelle Docto and Rachel Thexton