Canada Post employees have approved a new contract, marking the end of prolonged conflicts and negotiations between the union and the Crown corporation, which included nationwide strikes. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), representing 55,000 postal workers, announced that its members decisively ratified the agreement reached in December 2025, with 85.9% voting in favor.
According to CUPW, approximately 86% of rural and suburban mail carriers supported the contract, while 89% of urban workers endorsed it. CUPW National President Jan Simpson stated that despite challenges, postal workers achieved gains and prevented significant rollbacks proposed by Canada Post. The agreements safeguard essential rights such as job security and pensions, ensure wage increases, enhanced benefits, and payment for all hours worked by rural and suburban mail carriers.
The ratified deal features a 6.5% wage increase in the first year, followed by 3% in the second year, with subsequent increases tied to the annual inflation rate for the following three years. Additionally, the agreement includes a weekend parcel delivery model and improved benefits for employees.
The approval of the contract resolves years of disputes between Canada Post and the union regarding wages and operational adjustments within the postal service, which led employees to participate in multiple strikes during the negotiation process. Canada Post President and CEO Doug Ettinger expressed satisfaction with the positive outcome, emphasizing the corporation’s commitment to collaborating with employees and bargaining agents to revitalize the business and enhance postal services nationwide.
The ratification process involved Canada Post employees casting their votes between April 20 and May 30. Both parties agreed to refrain from strikes or lockouts during the voting period. In a March newsletter, 60% of the national executive board recommended ratification of the deal, while Simpson and four other union leaders issued a minority report urging workers to reject the agreement, citing concerns about compensation and worker rights.
The contract ratification follows Canada Post’s first-quarter financial report, revealing a $205 million loss in the first three months of the year. To support the financially struggling postal service, the federal government allocated $673 million for the current fiscal year. Facing declining mail demand, Canada Post aims to modernize through operational reforms, including transitioning to community mailboxes, introducing weekend parcel delivery, and potentially closing post offices.
Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works, and Procurement Joël Lightbound hailed the contract ratification as a significant advancement in Canada Post’s restructuring efforts. He emphasized the importance of building a stronger and more modern postal service that serves all Canadians effectively. While part of the restructuring plan involves service cuts and the discontinuation of door-to-door delivery for some addresses, the union remains committed to advocating against postal service reductions and focusing on enhancing and expanding services for communities.
