With a fast approaching deadline only days away, a potential lockout halting mail delivery is beginning to look more likely.
"We are still at the table, we want to negotiate a deal, and we put forward a deal we think is the best offer,” said Jon Hamilton, Canada Post spokesperson.
However, the newest deal from Canada Post is missing a lot of key points according the Union of Postal Workers.
The two sides have been negotiating since December, but have yet to see eye to eye on many issues, including uneven salaries between rural and urban carriers.
"Another factor is expansion of services like restoring door-to-door and expanding door-to-door delivery," said union representative Basia Sokal.
In the meantime government organizations have started planning for a possible lockout, including the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, who will be hiring extra staff to call patients for things normally handled through the mail – like confirming appointments.
Manitoba Public Insurance also has a plan in place to get drivers licenses, claim information, and cheques to customers.
“We have implemented a pick up system so customers can pick up their letters at the service centre nearest to them," said Ward Keith, MPI Vice-President of Communications.
The deadline to reach a deal is July 2.
