Lineups at Ottawa shipping centres with Canada Post workers returning to work Tuesday

Canada Post workers will be back on the job Tuesday following a ruling by the Canada Industrial Relations Board.

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With Christmas fast approaching, Ottawa residents and local businesses say the strike’s impact is still being felt. About a dozen people were lined up at a UPS store location in Ottawa on Monday. 

"I'm mailing my presents to Nova Scotia and Calgary," said Ottawa resident Krista Wadden, who had a bag full of presents to send but decided not to rely on Canada Post. Instead, she's using UPS.

"I don't know, I think they're going to be backlogged, so I think it's going to be pretty difficult," she said.

The backlog is also affecting local businesses. Martin Charron, owner of Gopherit Deliveries, said his team has been overwhelmed.

"In 2024, we are at 5,600,000 kilometres so far," said Charron. "We're extremely busy. It's the season. But over the past month, our volumes have gone up by 300 per cent, if not more right now.

For some residents, the strike highlighted the difficulties of reaching a fair labour agreement.

"I understand that it's never enough," said Ottawa resident Natalia Barkar. "But on the other side, I don't like government pushing them. And it’s a problem from the leader to negotiate better, from the other side to negotiate better."

Others are relieved that workers will be back delivering mail.

"Absolutely," said Ottawa resident Silvana Crea when asked if she was glad workers were returning.

"They should work. People need it, especially seniors. They are waiting for pension cheques probably in the mail. They're waiting for things they need. You know, it’s their job."

Though operations technically resume Tuesday, Canada Post warned it will take more time to clear the backlog of packages and letters that were paused when the strike began. It said Canada Post will not receive or pick up new products until Thursday, and will start accepting new international mail on Dec. 23.

More than 55,000 workers went on strike Nov. 15 after negotiations between the Canadian Union of Postal Workers and Canada Post failed to produce a deal.