Canada Post has presented a new offer to the union representing postal workers.
It comes as workers prepare to possibly hit the picket lines as early as Sunday, Nov. 3.
The latest offer from Canada Post includes wage increases of 11.5 per cent over four years.
It also protects the defined benefit pension for current employees, as well as their job security and health benefits.
“Both parties must urgently focus their energies on resolving outstanding issues to reach negotiated agreements,” the Crown corporation said in a news release.
“A labour disruption would have significant consequences for the millions of Canadians who rely on Canada Post while deepening the company’s already serious financial situation, as customers move their holiday shipments to other carriers.
“For this reason, the offers are conditional on reaching negotiated agreements without a labour disruption.”
Canada Post said it has also proposed to submit several items to binding-interest arbitration, which would allow a neutral third party to decide a reasonable path forward on key items that are important to both sides.
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers announced last week that 96 per cent of members had voted in favour of strike action.
The union is seeking a two-year deal with increases totalling more than 17 per cent.
Both sides continue to negotiate with the aid of a federal mediator.
