Canadian Etsy Sellers, Shipping and the Canada Post Labour Dispute

Notice from Etsy to Canadian sellers

As you are no doubt aware, Canada Post has issued a lock out notice to the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), and may lock out workers as early as tomorrow, Friday, July 8. Etsy is aware that this issue may affect sellers in Canada (and abroad who have Canadian buyers). You can find their discussion here. If there is a lock out, it will no longer be possible to purchase Canada Post shipping through Etsy or use them to ship your packages. Canada Post states, "In the event of a full labour disruption, Canada Post will not operate. Mail and parcels will not be delivered, and no new items will be accepted. Any mail and parcels within the postal system during a work disruption will be secured and delivered as quickly as possible once operations resume."

You can sign up for real-time updates and read the latest news here. Etsy advises a notice to customers on your policy page, and, "If you currently have an order processing and aren’t sure what to do, you may contact Etsy Support for help at www.etsy.com/help/contact. In all cases, we suggest that you reach out to your buyer and work on a solution together. If you otherwise follow Etsy’s shipping policies, Etsy will not hold you responsible for delayed shipments as they relate to Canada Post during this time."

CBC News interviewed TEST Captain and Leader Ele Willoughby and Candice Ware, Tuesday, about the impact of the labour dispute on online sellers like us. You can catch the interviews at the 30 minute mark.

If you are seeking advice from fellow sellers about alternate shipping plans or policies, visit us in the forums or on our private FB group.