The federal labour minister has called on Canada Post and its workers’ union to urgently seek a resolution to the ongoing strike that has gripped the nation for nearly two weeks. After mediated discussions were put on hold on Wednesday, Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon expressed his expectation for both parties to demonstrate a heightened sense of urgency. “The minister told both parties he expects more, and he expects results,” a spokesperson stated following a meeting with representatives from both sides. The special mediator appointed by the federal government announced that mediation would be paused, as the parties were still too far apart on key issues crucial for a successful resolution. MacKinnon, who conveyed his frustration to reporters in Ottawa, noted that negotiations have not progressed in over eight days. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business has urged the federal government to intervene by imposing binding arbitration or back-to-work legislation, but MacKinnon indicated that binding arbitration was not currently an option, though he did not dismiss it for the future. Canada Post reported that negotiations had hit a standstill on significant issues and that progress had been limited to minor topics. The union has reportedly not been responsive to proposals made by Canada Post over the past days. The strike, initiated by over 55,000 Canada Post workers on November 15, has disrupted mail and parcel services nationwide, coinciding with the busy holiday shopping season. With nearly 10 million parcels delayed due to the strike, the two sides remain at odds over wage increases, weekend delivery contract work, and full-time staffing. Jan Simpson, national president of the CUPW, highlighted the lack of movement in discussions, expressing disappointment over the employer’s unresponsiveness to essential demands. Simpson criticized Canada Post for attempting to sway public sentiment against postal workers, emphasizing that such tactics undermine the dedication of postal employees. The situation remains tense as the strike continues, with both parties needing to reassess their positions to reach a resolution.
