Mediation talks between Canada Post and union suspended

Negotiations have broken down between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) for the first time since the countrywide strike began.

The federally appointed special mediator decided to temporarily suspend talks between the two sides on Wednesday, Canada's labour minister announced in a statement posted on X.

"After several intensive days of negotiation ... parties remain too far apart on critical issues for mediation to be successful at this time," Steven MacKinnon wrote.

Speaking with reporters Wednesday afternoon, MacKinnon said he was "extremely frustrated" that talks hadn't budged in over eight days.

"These parties have had access to the best mediation services that it is possible to have."

The break will allow both Canada Post and CUPW to rethink their positions and return to the bargaining table with a renewed determination to get a deal, he said.

On Nov. 15, 55,000 Canada Post workers went on strike, following a year of failed negotiations to reach a new collective agreement with the Crown corporation. The labour dispute has brought the national mail service to a complete standstill right before the busy holiday season.

Binding arbitration 'not on the table' minister says

Binding arbitration is not an option right now, MacKinnon said, despite him using it earlier this month to end port strikes. Binding arbitration enables a third party to come in and establish a collective agreement for both sides, effectively ending a strike or lockout.

He said it's hard to see a situation where an arbitrator would be able to handle the issues at hand, since the two sides are so far apart.

"What I would say right now — and for the foreseeable future — is if this agreement does not come together at the table, there will be no end to this labour conflict."

WATCH | MacKinnon on the stalled talks: 

Arbitration 'not in the cards' as talks between Canada Post and union suspended: labour minister

13 hours ago

Duration 1:39

Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon said he's 'extremely frustrated' after talks between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers were suspended. 'These parties need a bit of time to rethink their positions and to come back to the table with a renewed determination to get a deal.'

Canada Post and CUPW accuse each other of stalling negotiations

Despite the labour dispute, the Crown corporation and the union have remained in bargaining talks every day until now. The federally appointed special mediator has been working with both sides since Nov. 18 to reach an agreement.

Both sides initially reported progress but on Tuesday night, Canada Post accused CUPW of causing talks to "grind to a halt."

"CUPW has just informed us, through the special mediator, that it will not be responding at all," the company wrote in a statement late Tuesday night.

In response, the union said the Crown corporation of "half-truths and outright deception" in its version of events at the bargaining table.

"First and foremost, CUPW left the meetings Tuesday since we cannot proceed without Canada Post's negotiators," it wrote in a statement.

"The union negotiators did tell the special mediator that we were unwilling to talk about one particular employer demand — something we have discussed at least a dozen times in bargaining already," the statement continued.

"Canada Post is fully aware of how far CUPW is willing to go — they just don't like the answer."

CUPW is asking for a 22 per cent wage increase over the next four years; Canada Post has offered half that. The two sides are also bargaining over benefits, working conditions and the company's desire to move to seven-days-a-week delivery. 

• As the Canada Post strike continues, this Sunday, Cross Country Checkup is asking: Whether negotiating at work or home, how did you get a better deal? Fill out this form and you could appear on the show or have your comment read on air.