MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — With the help of mediators, Teamsters Canada and Purolator Courier reached a new tentative deal last night which will stave off a potential strike, pending ratification.

About 10,000 Purolator employees, including truck drivers, were poised to walk off the job after rejecting the latest contract offer by a slim margin of 51%. Yesterday afternoon in Laval, Que. Purolator officials and Teamsters union reps were called before mediators to hammer out a new deal.

Employees will vote on the latest offer, with ratification expected within the next several weeks, officials announced following the meeting.

“It’s business as usual at Purolator,” said Stephen Gould, senior vice-president, human resources for Purolator. “We’re pleased that we were able to work with the Teamsters to resolve the outstanding issues so quickly. With a new tentative agreement our customers can continue shipping with us with confidence.”

“The Canada Council of Teamsters is pleased to have reached a tentative agreement with Purolator,” added Bob Bouvier, president of Teamsters Canada. “The agreement is being unanimously recommended by the bargaining committee. As a result of the tentative agreement there will be no labour disruption.”