The union representing striking Canada Post workers has reported submitting a revised proposal to end an ongoing strike.
However, the Crown corporation said the proposal pulls the two sides further apart.
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) announced on social media Monday afternoon that it had met with Canada Post.
"With our nationwide strike now in its fourth week, we have waited far too long for Canada Post to bargain in good faith," said CUPW President Janice Simpson. "None of us want to be on the picket line, but we cannot continue with management steamrolling workers with random ideas they have to change work rules and impact our safety. We call on Canada Post to seriously consider our proposals and recognize that they reflect the value of its workforce."
The CUPW reported updated demands for urban and rural carriers, but the talking points for all members include the following.
Wage increases in each year of a four-year deal.
A cost-of-living allowance.
An increase in short-term disability payments to 80 per cent of normal wages.
Ten medical days in addition to the seven personal days in the agreement.
Additional rights for temporary workers or On-Call Relief Employees (OCRE).
Urban carriers are now asking for a minimum of 20 hours per week for part-timers, no contracting out of work, and job security among others.
Canada Post responded with a statement Monday afternoon, saying it was "extremely disappointed".
"We don't want to provide false hope to impacted employees, small businesses, charities, and northern communities that were hoping for a speedy resolution," read the statement. "In the last few weeks, Canada Post has made several important moves to close the gap and reach negotiated agreements, but the union has reverted to their previous positions or increased their demands."
Canada Post added that the strike has only made the corporation's financial challenges more acute.
Among the points offered to the union are wage increases above previous offers, up to seven weeks of vacation and 13 personal days, and maintaining job security standards.
Some 55,000 employees represented by CUPW walked off the job on November 15.
