Finding delivery alternatives should be a priority for businesses reliant on the carrier, which could see employees strike next month, experts said.

Canada’s parcel delivery sector is preparing for another potential strike at Canada Post, an event that could increase demand for other carriers and delay shipments across the country.

The government-owned carrier shut down in the thick of peak season last year due to an employees’ strike, disrupting the flow of holiday deliveries. The work stoppage lasted just over a month before the Canada Industrial Relations Board stepped in, restarting operations on Dec. 17.

Another disruption could happen soon if the government-owned carrier and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers don’t reach a new long-term contract by next month.

The current agreements between the two parties are set to expire on May 22. Canada Post said earlier this month that a labor disruption is possible on or after that date, adding that it will work closely with customers to prepare them for any potential impacts.

“This is not the message we hoped to be sharing at this time,” Canada Post said on April 3. “But we recognize how important it is to give you the information you need to make business decisions.”

Here are three pressing questions shippers should consider in planning to mitigate any disruption.

Where do contract negotiations currently stand?

Progress in contract negotiations has appeared to be limited so far this year, with both sides reporting a breakdown in talks in early March. A key sticking point in discussions is how weekend delivery will be handled.

Canada Post said it aims to create a new part-time workforce to make weekend deliveries, along with measures to better match staffing levels with fluctuating volumes. It argues that the changes are needed to help its delivery business fare better against the competition.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers is against such measures, saying that the carrier should instead use full-time employees to staff its operations wherever possible.

“This managerial flexibility comes entirely at the expense of the worker, who must bear the cost of shifting consumer demand with unstable work hours,” the union said in a March analysis on weekend staffing. “Such instability puts workers under strain.”

An industrial inquiry commission, established by the government to examine Canada Post issues, will offer a report and recommendations on how to potentially resolve the ongoing contract disputes to Canada’s Minister of Labour by May 15. Although that’s a week before the strike could occur, experts have expressed doubt that the two sides will secure a deal and avoid a strike prior to the deadline.