Canada Post employees in the Waterloo Region are set to return to work this week. This follows the national union's decision to shift from a nationwide strike to rotating stoppages. Over 55,000 Canada Post workers initially walked off the job on September 25 after the federal government approved reforms that would close some post offices and eliminate door-to-door deliveries for millions of Canadians.

Trish Sheppard, president of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers Local 560, which represents nearly 700 workers in Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge, announced that strike activity will now be determined daily by the national office. "Residents can expect to see our members back on their routes and delivering mail beginning Tuesday," Sheppard stated. She added that any future strike actions or picketing days will be communicated to local members as decisions are made.

In a statement, Canada Post warned that the union's decision to implement rotating strikes will lead to ongoing uncertainty and instability in postal services. Consequently, all service guarantees will be suspended. A spokesperson for Canada Post noted, "This prolonged period of instability, uncertainty and disruption has significantly impacted Canadians and Canadian businesses, often without warning. As a result, they have moved to other carriers or are avoiding Canada Post altogether. The move to a different form of strike activity will not change that."

The spokesperson also highlighted the financial strain on Canada Post, stating, "The impact on the company’s already dire financial position is significant and mounting." Canada Post reported a loss of $841 million in 2024 and is currently losing about $10 million a day, with projections indicating a total loss of $1.5 billion for the year. The organization has not turned a profit since 2017.

Despite the challenging financial situation, negotiations between Canada Post and the union remain stalled. Canada Post's latest offer, presented on October 3, retracted previously offered incentives, including a signing bonus, and proposed significant layoffs while targeting nearly 500 urban and suburban post offices for potential closure.

As postal workers prepare to resume their duties, Sheppard emphasized their commitment to serving the community. "Our members are advocating for fair wages, improved working conditions, and long-term job security," she said. She also noted that the negotiations are crucial for maintaining door-to-door delivery services that residents currently rely on, as well as ensuring service for rural communities.