What’s New in the Canada Post / CUPW Negotiations
Monday, September 15, 2025, at 12:01 AM local time. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has announced that starting, postal workers will no longer deliver Neighbourhood Mail (unaddressed flyers and promotional mail). This action replaces the overtime ban that had been in effect since May 23, 2025.
Canada Post has confirmed it will stop accepting new drop-offs of Neighbourhood Mail at depots, plants, or post offices. Any Neighbourhood Mail already in the system will be securely held until further notice.
Mail & Services Not Affected
- Addressed mail: Personalized Mail, Postal Code Targeting, and Transactional Mail continue as normal.
- Parcels: All parcel services remain unaffected.
- Other Canada Post services: No impact reported at this time.
This means only unaddressed Neighbourhood Mail is suspended.
Impacts and What Businesses Should Do
If your marketing campaigns rely on Neighbourhood Mail, here’s how to adapt:
- Pause or reschedule upcoming flyer or unaddressed mail drops.
- Consider shifting campaigns to addressed mail products that remain active.
- Explore alternate marketing channels to avoid campaign interruptions.
- Reach out to PostNow.ca for guidance and campaign adjustments.
Timeline & Negotiations Context
- Ban begins: September 15, 2025, at 12:01 AM local time.
- Overtime ban ends: The Neighbourhood Mail ban replaces the overtime restriction in place since May.
- Negotiations: This escalation is part of ongoing bargaining between CUPW and Canada Post under the Urban & RSMC 2023-2025 agreements. CUPW members have rejected Canada Post’s “final offers” and continue to push for improved working conditions.
What Remains Uncertain
- How long the Neighbourhood Mail ban will last.
- How much backlog will build and how quickly it can be cleared once service resumes.
- Whether CUPW will escalate further if negotiations stall.
- Financial impacts on businesses relying on flyer distribution.
Is Direct Mail Still a Good Idea?
Yes! Direct Mail remains one of the most effective channels to reach Canadians, even with the current Neighbourhood Mail pause. Addressed mail products like Personalized Mail and Postal Code Targeting continue without disruption, offering precise targeting and measurable results.
At PostNow.ca, we help businesses pivot their strategy so they can still engage their audience effectively. Whether it’s rethinking campaign timing, adjusting targeting, or shifting to addressed mail solutions, Direct Mail continues to deliver impact and trust.
Questions or concerns? Contact PostNow.ca to see how Direct Mail can still be leveraged for your business needs.
