Canada Post's Commitment to Clear Backlog

In a reassuring update for Canadians, Canada Post has announced that it is actively working to clear a significant backlog of deliveries caused by a recent month-long strike. The postal service anticipates that most packages will be delivered before Christmas, just in time for the holiday season.

Return to Normal Operations

Following an order from the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), postal workers returned to their duties on Tuesday, with full operations resuming by Wednesday afternoon. Canada Post reported that it has already processed many of the parcels that were held up during the industrial action, allowing them to flow through their network effectively. A company representative declared, 'We expect a significant portion of these items to be delivered before Christmas.'

Accelerated Delivery Efforts

In an accelerated effort to meet holiday demands, selected postal workers will begin deliveries this weekend in various cities. Furthermore, Canada Post will resume accepting new international mail starting Monday, indicating a return to normalcy for its operations.

Potential Delays and Service Restoration Timeline

However, the postal service did caution customers about potential delays that may persist into early next year, although they expect to fully restore service levels by early January. During the busy holiday period, post offices will close on public holidays, including Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day.

Santa Letter Program

In a festive twist, Canada Post is also prioritizing letters sent to Santa Claus, ensuring that all correspondence mailed to him by December 23 will receive prompt attention. This whimsical Santa Letter Program has delighted children for 40 years, with the postal service delivering around 14 million letters to the North Pole in 2023.

Background of the Strike

The backdrop for this operational ramp-up follows the end of a strike by over 55,000 postal workers, which commenced on November 15. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) initiated the strike to advocate for better wages, pensions, and healthcare benefits for employees. Intensive negotiations to reach a settlement failed, prompting the CIRB to order the workers back to their posts on December 15 after the Labour Minister, Steven MacKinnon, expressed concerns about the lack of progress.

Union's Response and Future Actions

CUPW publicly expressed its disappointment, branding the government's intervention as an unwarranted disruption. Under the terms of the CIRB order, existing collective agreements will be extended until May 2025. Canada Post has also committed to a five percent wage increase in line with its previous offer, which isn't sufficient to satisfy the union's demands.

National Grievance Plans

Moreover, the union announced plans to file a national grievance regarding alleged violations of the collective agreement once the dust settles after December 17. They stated, 'We are hearing about multiple situations that could constitute violations of the collective agreement and are engaging with Canada Post at the national level to sort this all out.'

Looking Ahead to the Holidays

As the holiday season approaches, the spotlight will be on Canada Post to deliver on its promises, ensuring that everyone, from children writing to Santa to families sending gifts, experiences a joyful and timely Christmas. Stay tuned as we keep you updated on how the postal service navigates the busy weeks ahead!