‘On its death bed’: experts say Canada Post workers’ strike detrimental

With Black Friday sales underway, and the holidays right around the corner, experts say the Canada Post workers’ strike will have a large impact on how consumers shop.

Retail analyst Bruce Winder says Black Friday madness is not something that will happen this year, with consumers being more willing to thrift gifts, and with the ongoing postal workers’ strike adding complexity to online shopping.

“The Canada Post strike has forced consumers to look at other companies, bigger companies,” Winder said.

Bigger companies – who use different couriers.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers’ (CUPW) strike is nearing the two-week mark, and Canada Post says it’s down 11 million parcels since the work stoppage began.

Meantime, CUPW representatives say “while Canada Post is doing everything it can to portray itself as fair and reasonable, the reality is that this round of bargaining has been an all-out attack on the rights and benefits postal workers have fought for decades to achieve.”

Business professor Daniel Tsai says this is a crucial time of year when it comes to shopping, and Canada Post revenue is struggling.

“This strike has probably put Canada Post on its death bed,” he said.

READ MORE: Holiday worries rise as Canada Post strike continues into second week