1. CUPW decided the timing and scale of the strike - The decision to strike and how it unfolded was entirely up to CUPW. Canada Post had prepared for less disruptive rotating strikes, but CUPW went for a full-scale strike instead. This choice caused major disruptions, especially in rural areas that rely heavily on postal services. A rotating strike would have been less damaging but didn’t create the same pressure on Canada Post. CUPW chose maximum impact over minimizing harm.

2. No, Canada Post didn’t lock out workers - Canada Post issued a lockout notice as a procedural step, but they made it clear that no employees would actually be locked out. Operations were supposed to continue, and Canada Post even communicated about potential rotating strikes to prepare customers.

Timeline of Events:

Nov 12 (Morning): CUPW gave a 72-hour strike notice.

Nov 12 (Afternoon): Canada Post issued a lockout notice but confirmed no actual lockout would happen.

Nov 14: Canada Post informed customers of delays from possible rotating strikes.

Nov 15: CUPW launched a full nationwide strike, not a rotating one.

Key Takeaway: The full strike was CUPW’s decision to maximize pressure on Canada Post, even though it caused more harm to rural areas and people relying on postal services.

I have seen a lot of people say that CUPW wanted to do rotating strikes and they were locked out, but this is false. Had they done rotating strikes, my opinion of what took place would be in favor of CUPW. But this is not what happened. Instead, they chose to strike in full force, causing maximum disruption. Let’s keep the facts straight.