Legislation to end the postal lockout is in motion, but when postal workers will return to delivering mail is unclear.

Labour Minister Lisa Raitt introduced back-to-work legislation in Parliament on June 20, following a lockout by Canada Post on June 15. The act would come into effect 24 hours after it receives assent, with debate today expected to continue Thursday.

Bill C-6 states both parties must submit a final offer "within the time and in the manner that the arbitrator may specify" between which an arbitrator will select as binding. As of June 21, an arbitrator had yet to be appointed, noted Ashley Kelahear, who handles media for the labour minister's office.

While postal workers must return to duty when the bill becomes law, the arbitrator has 90 days to select an offer. The two parties may also reach an agreement before the arbitrator makes a decision.