Talks between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers broke off late Wednesday after three days of intense negotiations aimed at reaching a deal before Parliament votes on back-to-work legislation.

A news release issued by the company said Canada Post and the union "have not been able to reach an agreement and talks between the two have broken off. Every effort has been made to reach a negotiated settlement that is in the best interests of employees, customers and the company."

Canada Post and CUPW had until Thursday to hammer out a deal before MPs vote on the back-to-work bill, which Federal Labour Minister Lisa Raitt tabled in Parliament earlier this week.

Government House Leader Peter Van Loan said earlier the government will aim to pass the bill this week, so postal workers can return to work next week.

On June 3, after months of negotiations failed to produce a new deal, CUPW members began a series of rolling, 24-hour strikes in cities across the country. The company responded 12 days later by locking out workers, shutting down mail service from coast to coast.

Canada Post employees have spent the week demonstrating at postal outlets and the offices of Conservative MPs in an attempt to rally support for their cause.

The government has come under fire from NDP Leader Jack Layton for including a wage hike in the back-to-work bill that is lower than what Canada Post had proposed in its last offer.

He has vowed to prolong the debate over the legislation for as long as he can. However, MPs are expected to begin their summer break on Friday.