Talks break off between City of St. John's, union
There's an impasse between the City of St. John's and 450 unionized outside workers represented by CUPE.
Talks between the City of St. John's and 450 unionized outside workers broke off Thursday night.
The impasse involves pensions.
CUPE, the union that represents the workers, has accused the city of ignoring its proposal.
Union representative Ed White said the the union is aware of the challenges facing the city with the defined benefit plan, but added that the city isn't interested in any of the options the union has put on the table.
The union said that on the first day of bargaining, the city threatened a lockout.
Outside workers handle garbage and recycling services, clear snow and maintain streets, and deal with water and sewer issues.
Meanwhile, talks involving the city's inside workers will go to conciliation on Sept. 15.