Contract talks between the Region of Queens and its unionized public works employees are at a stalemate, as either side is now in a legal strike or lockout position.
Local 1928 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers represents about 40 full-time and temporary employees in the region’s engineering and public works department.
They are responsible for maintaining the region’s streets, sidewalks, parks and other properties. They also work in waste and recycling facilities as well as water and sewage treatment plants.
The two sides met with a conciliator on Monday, with the union submitting a new proposal. The region responded about five hours later, with very little movement from their last position, according to a union representative.
Union members resoundingly rejected the region’s settlement offer on Dec. 2, with a 97 per cent vote in favour of strike action if needed.
