Let’s be honest: even without the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), many Canada Post employees are already earning more than market value for their work. What CUPW brings to the table is not increased efficiency or innovation—it brings inflated labor costs that benefit the union’s bottom line. The more Canada Post workers get paid, the more dues flow into CUPW’s coffers—all for essentially the same work.
This is the reality of socialism, communism, and collectivist labor models: inefficiency by design. Labor unions are built on the principle of job protection, not performance. The slogan I often heard growing up was, “If you can’t pay a union wage, you shouldn’t be in business.” This ideology has played a role in driving manufacturing to places like China, where unions are banned and labor is strictly controlled by the state.
CUPW often refers to Canada Post as “the corporation” to imply that private interests are opposing worker demands. But let’s be clear: CUPW is itself a special interest group—a taxpayer-funded one. Canada Post is a Crown corporation, yet it operates like a private entity that’s insulated from political accountability. It’s not profitable, it’s deeply in debt, and yet it continues to ask taxpayers for more.
And unlike public agencies, Canada Post doesn’t answer to voters. If it did, Canadians might at least get a say in how their postal service operates—or whether it should exist in its current form at all.
I’m not advocating for full privatization. Rural communities in Canada still need basic postal services, even if at a financial loss. I don’t expect overnight delivery to every corner of the country, but I also don’t believe in blindly funding inefficiency. We need austerity—and reform. What we have now is a bloated, bankrupt entity dragging its feet into every labor dispute with no clear direction.
Strike Fatigue: Small Businesses Are Done with Canada Post
As Canada Post workers prepare to vote on yet another contract offer—with another strike looming—Canada’s small business community is saying enough is enough.
According to a new report by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), a majority of small business owners are prepared to walk away from Canada Post altogether.
“Yo-yoing in and out of strike mandates is driving small businesses away,” said CFIB president Dan Kelly. “Every strike sends more customers packing—for good.”
The CFIB report found that 63% of small businesses are ready to permanently stop using Canada Post if another strike occurs. After the 2024 strike, 13% had already cut ties completely.
While 80% of Canadian businesses still use Canada Post for tasks like mailing cheques and documents, only:
- 25% found it reliable
- 9% reported good customer service
Despite this, many small businesses stick with Canada Post for low-cost options and convenience—though that loyalty is wearing thin.
Canada Post posted operating losses of $1.3 billion in 2024, with revenues dropping by $800 million compared to 2023.
The Crown corporation’s latest contract offer includes:
- Signing bonuses up to $1,000
- Wage increases over four years (starting at 6%, then tapering to 2%)
- Six new personal days
- Withdrawal of previously proposed cuts to health and retirement benefits
Yet for many businesses, this isn’t enough. The 2024 strike alone cost small businesses over $100 million per day.
“The federal government has delayed long-overdue reform for over a decade,” said Corinne Pohlmann, CFIB’s VP of Advocacy. “It’s time for a long-term plan and a postal system small businesses can rely on.”
The Bigger Picture: Why Austerity Matters
The bigger issue here isn’t just Canada Post—it’s a wider culture of fiscal irresponsibility in publicly funded institutions. If a Crown corporation can’t deliver on service, can’t maintain profitability, and still demands continuous taxpayer bailouts, what exactly are Canadians funding?
CUPW and similar unions often reject innovation or performance-based metrics. Their power lies in controlling the narrative and framing every dispute as a battle between “the people” and “the corporation.” But in this case, the people are the taxpayers, and it’s time their voices mattered.
True reform begins with accountability, and accountability starts with a willingness to cut back on wasteful spending and inefficiency.
Consider making Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior today.
In Christ, we are called to truth, discipline, and wisdom—not complacency and dependency on broken systems.
