Labour Minister Patty Hajdu has reappointed a special mediator to help with bargaining in the Canada Post labour dispute.
Hajdu says if Canada Post and its striking employees don't reach a deal soon, Ottawa is prepared to table back-to-work legislation.
As rotating postal strikes continue into their fifth week, Canada Post says Canadians can expect delays of parcel and mail delivery into 2019 as a result of rotating strikes by its employees.
The post office says the worst delays will likely be in southern and southwestern Ontario.
The Crown corporation has told its commercial customers that it cannot honour its delivery standards for any product because of the prolonged strikes.
CUP-W President Mike Palecek says while the union will be at the table, the threat of back-to-work legislation undermines the chances of negotiated settlements.
He suspects Canada Post is sitting back, waiting for Ottawa to step in and order an end to the dispute.
CUP-W began strikes early this morning in Sudbury and other locations in southwestern Ontario as well as Calgary, Alberta and Prince George, BC.