CUPE 456 says the City of Melville has notified the Minister of Labour that negotiations with the union are at an impasse.

CUPE says the two sides have been involved in several months of bargaining with sticking points being wages and working conditions. The union says the timing of the announcement was surprising in light of the two parties having last met December 2nd.

Kevin Schick, president of CUPE 456, says at this time, neither party is in a legal position to withdraw services but the timing of the city declaring impasse does not suggest they are eager to reach a deal.

In a news release the union says it was hopeful that a deal could still be reached in the new year without intervention from the Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety. CUPE 456 represents inside and outside workers in the City of Melville.