Canada Post has presented the union representing some 55,000 striking postal workers with a framework to reach negotiated agreements, the corporation said. A statement issued Sunday said the framework includes proposals to bring greater flexibility to the Canada Post delivery model and shows "movement on other key issues" in the labour dispute that's stretching into the holiday season.

Canada Post Corp. has laid off some of its striking postal workers as labour talks with the union stall. In an emailed statement to the Financial Post, the Crown corporation confirmed that the layoffs are temporary and were taken to adjust its operations during the work stoppage.

Charities across Canada are bracing for a tough holiday season as the Canada Post workers’ strike disrupts donation drives and fundraising efforts.

Efforts to broker a settlement and end a strike that has effectively shut down Canada’s postal agency were suspended as the mail operator and the labor union remain far apart on critical issues.