The postal workers’ union is targeting Purolator, a company owned by Canada Post

October 8,2025

RED FM News Desk

The union representing striking postal workers is criticizing Purolator, a courier company that is 91 percent owned by Canada Post. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) claims that Canada Post has been diverting business to its profitable subsidiary, which continues operating during the strike. 

“When postal workers were negotiating for fair wages and better working conditions, Purolator was luring small business customers with deep discounts,” the union said in an online statement. “Canada Post should focus on bargaining, not driving customers to its subsidiary.” 

To highlight the issue, postal workers have been picketing outside Purolator facilities and blocking delivery trucks. CUPW began its nationwide strike on September 25 — its third in less than a year — following the federal government’s announcement of a major restructuring plan for Canada Post aimed at reducing financial losses. The plan includes closing some rural post offices and replacing daily home delivery with community mailboxes, measures the union strongly opposes while demanding higher wages and better working conditions. 

During a previous strike in November 2024, Purolator declared it was “open for business” and ready to handle extra deliveries during the busy holiday season. The company is now reportedly hiring gig workers and offering steep discounts to attract new small business clients. 

Canada Post president and CEO Doug Ettinger, along with board chair Andre Hudon, also serve on Purolator’s board of directors. While Canada Post has faced heavy financial losses — including a record $841 million pre-tax loss in 2024 — Purolator has remained profitable, posting $294 million in earnings that same year. 

“While Canada Post blames ‘labour uncertainty’ for declining parcel volumes, Purolator’s annual revenue has grown by $300 million compared to last year,” CUPW said. 

In response, a Canada Post spokesperson denied the union’s allegations, calling them baseless: “Unfortunately, the union has chosen to make false claims instead of taking responsibility for the impact their strike is having on the company and Canadians. As these accusations have no factual basis, Canada Post will not comment further.”