Negotiations in the 12-day Canada Post strike are “at a dead end,” Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon said yesterday. Cabinet had no immediate plans to intervene, he told reporters.

“We are at a dead end in negotiations,” said MacKinnon. “Both parties will have to review their position. It is possible we will have a prolonged labour conflict.”

Cabinet forced an end to the last postal strike, in 2018, after 35 days. A 1975 strike ended after 43 days without legislation. The current dispute has been ongoing since November 15.

The labour department in a statement acknowledged a federal mediator withdrew after contract talks collapsed Tuesday. Neither party has disclosed the legal text of offers and counteroffers.