Canada: Postal strike continues as of Dec. 13 as government asks Canada Industrial Relations Board to assess status of collective bargaining talks /update 3

Postal workers affiliated with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) are continuing to stage a nationwide strike as of Dec. 13 but may return to work for the Canada Post as early as the week of Dec. 16 after the Canadian government referred the associated labor dispute to the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB). The government has asserted that the collective bargaining talks between the CUPW and the Canada Post are at an "impasse" and requested that the independent board order the striking postal workers back to work if it agrees with its assessment. If the CIRB decides to order the postal workers to return to work, the employees will reportedly resume work under the existing collective agreement until May 22, 2025. The CIRB will probably announce its decision on the matter in the coming days.

Meanwhile, the strike will likely continue. Disruptions to mail and delivery services, including international deliveries, will probably continue to be affected throughout Canada; business disruptions are likely for companies dependent on deliveries. Striking workers could stage picket protests near Canada Post facilities or government buildings across the country. Heightened security and localized transport disruptions are possible near any protests that materialize. Any such demonstrations that occur will almost certainly be peaceful.