Canada Post Strikes Disrupt Flyers and Holiday Preparations
Canada is once again feeling the ripple effects of postal service strikes, and businesses are starting to feel the pinch. Canadian Tire, one of the country’s largest retailers, has expressed disappointment as recent strikes by Canada Post workers have significantly disrupted the delivery of flyers to homes. These disruptions come as a result of ongoing job actions by postal employees, who have engaged in a mix of rotating and nationwide strikes over the past year to push for better pay and improved working conditions.
Canadian Tire’s executive vice-president, TJ Flood, explained that when fewer consumers receive the company’s flyers, it creates a friction that they would rather avoid. To address the interruptions, Canadian Tire has leaned on lessons learned from previous disruptions, exploring local distribution alternatives and relying on digital marketing channels, including their app, to reach customers. However, Flood admitted that these measures do not match the efficiency and reach of Canada Post, making it challenging to react quickly to the situation.
Also Read:- ‘Vibe Coding’ Named Collins Dictionary Word of the Year 2025
- Foggy Morning Turns to Snowfall in Calgary
The labour dispute at Canada Post has been ongoing for nearly two years as the company negotiates a new contract with its 55,000 unionized employees. Both sides have been moving toward mediation, but until a resolution is reached, thousands of businesses are navigating delivery challenges during a critical time of the year. With the holiday season approaching, the timing of the strike is particularly impactful, as companies rely heavily on timely mailings for promotions and customer engagement.
Canadian Tire’s CEO, Greg Hicks, highlighted the disappointment of the situation, emphasizing that it comes at a time when consumers are actively looking for value. He expressed hope that the labour dispute will stabilize quickly and sustainably, providing relief for both businesses and customers. Despite the operational challenges, Canadian Tire recently announced a slight increase in its dividend, reporting a third-quarter net income of $169.1 million, slightly down from the previous year due to restructuring and advisory costs.
Revenue for the quarter rose to $4.11 billion, with comparable store sales showing modest growth across Canadian Tire, SportChek, and Mark’s. The company attributed some of the gains to seasonal factors such as back-to-school and hockey season, as well as an earlier start to fall, which boosted sales of casual and workwear. Even the Toronto Blue Jays’ successful World Series run gave a small boost to sales of fan gear, illustrating the influence of national events on retail performance.
Overall, Canadian Tire and other businesses remain closely watchful of Canada Post’s labour situation. As shoppers continue to navigate higher costs and uncertain trade conditions, timely access to promotions and deliveries is more important than ever. The ongoing postal strikes are a stark reminder of how essential reliable mail service remains for both businesses and consumers during busy seasons.
Read More:
0 Comments