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The Liberal government and largest federal union walked away from a marathon collective bargaining session with no deal and their backs against the wall.

The Public Service Alliance of Canada pulled the plug Thursday on contract negotiations after 10 days of talks and called for a mediator to help sort out their differences.

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The latest breakdown leaves the union facing the prospect of a possible strike against a highly popular prime minister and the government struggling to fulfill its promise of a more respectful relationship with its employees – while being fiscally responsible.

At stake in these talks is a relationship the government and 18 unions have been trying to rebuild since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made an election promise to restore bargaining ‘fairness’ and respect for Canada’s public servants they argue were trampled by a decade of Conservative rule.

“Both want the relationship to work. They are tired of the stress of fighting all the time and threat of legislation. It has taken its toll and they do need a better way of working with each that is respectful and responsible,” said Ron Cochrane, the former co-chair of the joint union management National Joint Council.