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Canada Post workers began a nationwide strike on Friday after their union failed to reach a pay deal with the postal operator. The walkout, involving approximately 55,000 employees, comes at a critical time ahead of the holiday season, disrupting mail and parcel deliveries across the country.
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) is demanding wage increases in line with inflation, cost-of-living adjustments added to base salaries, and improved safety measures for workers. "After a year of bargaining with little progress, postal workers made the difficult decision to strike," the CUPW said in a statement.
Canada Post announced a shutdown of operations during the strike, with mail processing, deliveries, and post office functions suspended nationwide. The strike follows similar labor disputes in other sectors, including at Canada's largest ports and rail companies, both of which were resolved through government intervention.
Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon has appointed a mediator to facilitate negotiations between Canada Post and CUPW. "Canadians need them to reach an agreement," he wrote on X.
The timing of the strike could intensify pressure on both sides to resolve the conflict quickly, as Canadians rely on postal services during the busy holiday season.
