Update on Canada Post Labour Dispute and Steps You Can Take Now
Last year, Canada Helps estimated that the labour dispute at Canada Post caused an estimated $266 million loss for our sector. This is why Aaron Sanderson, chair of AFP Canada’s government relations committee, urges AFP members to plan mitigation strategies immediately.
At the same time, Aaron notes, “This year’s dispute is markedly different from last year’s. The major reforms announced September 25th by the government included the elimination of door-to-door delivery—a fundamental shift in the postal system that would have a massive and abrupt impact on fundraising operations across the charitable sector.” The union called for a nationwide strike in response to the government’s proposals.
Negotiation Status (as of October 7, 2025)
Talks between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) seem to have stalled. The union has rejected previous offers, including a 13% wage increase, citing concerns over job security and service erosion. Canada Post claims it lost $841 million last year and needed a $1 billion loan from the government earlier this year to stay afloat. Canada Post presented a new offer on Friday, October 3 that is currently being reviewed by the union.
Steps You Can Take Now
Amy Pawluk, former AFP Canada board member and Chief Operating Officer at Blakely, acknowledges, “This is a tough time for charities. It’s the second year in a row going into year end with a mail strike.” With no clear indication of how long the stoppage may continue, Amy says her team is working with each client individually to mitigate revenue loss and provide scenarios for educated decision making. "Thanks to our longstanding focus on digital strategies, our clients are well equipped to navigate the challenges of a postal strike with confidence."
While each client’s situation is unique, Amy outlined a few actions charities can undertake immediately, such as ensuring your website has a prominent message about the continued need for donor support, the impact of the strike and encouraging donors to give online or in person. Amy notes some of her clients are increasing their investments in email outreach and media spending, while also considering direct mail contingency plans should postal service resume in a timely manner.
Paula Attfield, CEO of ST and past chair of AFP Canada, echoes Amy’s concern. “The timing couldn’t be worse. Fall campaigns, Giving Tuesday, and holiday appeals are just around the corner.” Paula points out that direct mail is still a workhorse for many charities, with some counting on the mail to bring in tens, if not hundreds, of thousands at year end. Mail will be moving again at some point, but it may not be for three or four more weeks still.
On the positive side, Paula says that many of our donors – including older generations – have been learning increasingly since the pandemic and the previous strike how to pay bills, make purchases and donate online. Paula encourages charities to reach out to your donors online and through email to share what you are doing and how the strike is impacting you. “Successful organizations are being honest and sincere with their message. We need to increasingly dig into our mission and tap into the emotional stories that are baked into that.”
Paula shares a number of strategies around digital, phone, and building resilience that charities can embrace to position themselves both now and beyond the strike.
Just don’t ask Aaron, Amy or Paula when that will be. “We don’t have a crystal ball,” laments Amy.
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