Negotiations have broken down between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers for the first time since a countrywide strike began.
The federally appointed special mediator decided to temporarily suspend talks between the two sides, Canada’s labour minister said in a statement posted on X Wednesday.
“After several intensive days of negotiation, his assessment is that parties remain too far apart on critical issues for mediation to be successful at this time,” Steven MacKinnon wrote.
“This pause in mediation activities will hopefully permit the parties to reassess their positions and return to the bargaining table with renewed resolve.”
Meeting with the minister
The labour minister has requested both Canada Post and the union meet with him today.
“They will be told that, as in all disputes, they alone are responsible for the consequences of this conflict and for its resolution.”
MacKinnon said the special mediator will return with both sides “as soon as productive bargaining can begin anew.”
On Nov. 15, 55,000 Canada Post workers went on strike, following a year of negotiations on a new collective agreement with the Crown corporation, grinding the national mail service to a halt right before the busy holiday season.