The postal and delivery landscape across Canada is changing rapidly and the gig economy in particular is having a dramatic impact on the volume Canada Post delivers.
CUP-W local president Craig Dyer says the emerging gig economy means that people will deliver parcels in their own vehicles in the evenings and on weekends when they’re free for a “low rate” based on incentive, with no benefits or workers comp.
Dyer says in 2009, Canada Post delivered 62 per cent of the parcel market.
“Since COVID, and the economic crisis, that’s down to 29 per cent,” says Dyer, “and that is a huge impact as a result of the gig economy.”
Canada Post reported a loss of more than $749 million last year and says changes have to be made. Dyer says Canada Post has a mandate to deliver service in remote and rural areas where other services are not available.
“It’s a concern,” says Dyer.