The final offer by Canada Post has been rejected by the majority of members represented by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW).
More than 53,000 members started voting on those offers beginning July 21.
The vote was forced by the federal government, with Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu saying it was in the public interest.
Hajdu pointed to the “ongoing strain placed on Canada’s small businesses and communities” after 18 months of negotiation, over 200 meetings between the parties, and 33 days of strike and lockout in the fall.
In a media release, Friday evening, Canada Post says they were informed by The Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) of the results, and that this means negotiations between the parties remains unsolved.
“While we are disappointed in the results, we want to thank employees for participating in the process. We would also like to thank the CIRB for administering the vote,” says Canada Post.
“This result does not lessen the urgent need to modernize and protect this vital national service. However, it does mean the uncertainty that has been significantly impacting our business – and the many Canadians and Canadian businesses who depend on Canada Post – will continue.”
The union previously rejected a request by Canada Post for a final vote, instead pushing for binding arbitration.
However, the Crown corporation has said it is not interested in binding arbitration, adding the process would be “long and complicated” and likely last more than a year.
Canada Post says they are reevaluating their next steps.
CFIB statement
Meanwhile, in a statement, President of The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) Dan Kelly says rejecting the offer means more uncertainty when small businesses are already struggling to plan ahead.
“We can’t keep doing this. If there is another strike, two in three businesses may walk away from Canada Post permanently,” says Kelly.
He says they are calling on the government to prevent another strike by extending the current collective agreement for the foreseeable future.
Kelly adds, government needs to give Canada Post full authority to make the major reforms needed to ensure it is financially stable.
-With files by Brad Perry
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