The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has rejected Canada Post's latest offer.
The union, which represents over 64,000 employees, had until 11:59 p.m. on November 17 to accept the offer, which included a pay increases of two per cent per year for all employees, overtime pay for working more than 40 hours, a signing bonus of up to $1,000 as well as addressing concerns about workload and health and safety. Some of the original requests made by CUPW were 2.9-per-cent annual wage increases and double time pay for working a sixth or seventh day.
Now that the offer has been rejected, the union is asking the government to get involved and appoint a mediator to help the two sides reach an agreement.
The rotating strike is now it's fourth week and has effected nearly every mail facility. Canada Post said that the strike has caused unprecedented backlogs to their delivery system and has caused delays of several days.
Hours before the midnight deadline, Prime Minster Justin Trudeau tweeted "The Christmas & holiday season is here - and Canadian businesses and families depend on Canada Post. We urge both sides in this labour dispute to resolve their differences quickly and reach a deal."