A majority of the 56,000 workers with Canada Post have rejected what was billed by  the corporation as its final offer. The vote included both the urban and rural carrier units.

Canada Post says the results do not lessen the urgent need to “modernize and protect this vital national service.” However, it says it does mean that the uncertainty which has been significantly impacting the business will continue.

The offer included wage hikes of about 13 per cent over four years but also added part-time workers that Canada Post has said are necessary to keep the postal service afloat.