Canada Post employees have approved a new contract, bringing an end to a period of tension and negotiations that included nation-wide strikes between the union and the Crown corporation. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), representing 55,000 postal workers, announced that its members voted overwhelmingly in favor of ratifying the agreement reached in December 2025. The vote saw 85.9% in favor of the deal.
The union reported that around 86% of rural and suburban mail carriers and 89% of urban workers supported the contract. CUPW’s national president, Jan Simpson, highlighted that despite challenges, the postal workers achieved gains and prevented significant rollbacks initially proposed by Canada Post. The agreement safeguards essential rights such as job security and pensions, while also securing wage increases, enhanced benefits, and fair compensation for all hours worked, particularly for rural and suburban mail carriers.
Key elements of the deal include a 6.5% wage increase in the first year, followed by three percent in the second year and subsequent increases tied to the annual inflation rate for the next three years. Additionally, the agreement introduces a weekend parcel delivery model and improved benefits for employees.
The ratification of the contract marks the culmination of longstanding disputes between Canada Post and the union regarding wages and structural changes within the postal service. Workers resorted to picketing on several occasions during the negotiation phase. In response to the positive vote, Canada Post’s president and CEO, Doug Ettinger, expressed optimism about the future collaborations with employees to revitalize the business, restore confidence in the postal system, and better serve the nation.
The voting process for Canada Post employees took place between April 20 and May 30, with both parties agreeing to refrain from strikes or lockouts during the ratification period. The ratification followed first-quarter financial results from Canada Post, revealing a $205 million loss in the initial three months of the year. The postal service has been grappling with debt and declining demand for letter and parcel services, necessitating modernization efforts such as community mailboxes, weekend parcel delivery, and potential post office closures.
Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement Joël Lightbound lauded the contract ratification as a significant advancement in Canada Post’s restructuring endeavors. With the agreement now in place, the focus shifts to building a more robust and modern postal service that serves all Canadians. As part of the restructuring, service cuts and the cessation of door-to-door delivery for certain addresses are planned, alongside an expansion of community mailbox usage. Despite these changes, the union remains committed to protecting and enhancing postal services for communities following the contract ratification.