The majority of Canada Post employees have said no to the Crown corporation's "final offers".
Canada Post was informed on Friday evening by the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) that the employees, represented by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), have rejected the offers in a vote mandated by the Canadian government.
The vote began on July 21 and concluded Friday night.
"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," read a statement from 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. We are evaluating our next steps."
The CUPW reported that 69.4 per cent of the rural carriers said no, while 68.5 per cent of the urban carriers rejected the offers.
"It's time for Canada Post to come back to the bargaining table and start seriously negotiating," read the statement from the CUPW. "With these votes behind us, Canada Post must now recognize that the only way forward is to negotiate ratifiable collective agreements that meet postal workers’ needs. The time for games is over. Our negotiators are ready to get back to work right away. We’re committed to staying at the table until we’ve reached a deal. We expect the same from Canada Post...No more back-to-work orders. No more forced votes."
The union said members will continue to show up for work, but the ongoing overtime ban will continue.