As Metro Transit Workers entered the fourth day of their strike, Halifax Regional Council is facing another significant contract dispute.

Employees with the Halifax Regional Water Commission – 225 workers in all - can walk off the job anytime if they give 48 hours notice of a strike.Talks between the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 227 and the city have reached a standstill.

"The city gave what they call their best and final offer. We took that back to our members and they told us overwhelmingly they didn't want that offer," said Todd Masters, the local union vice president.

The key issue being disputed is management's ability to shuffle schedules on seven days notice. "For our members we have families. We want to be able to get our kids out to school. We want to have a life balance, not have our shifts change with seven days notice," said Masters.

Union members voted 94 per cent in favour of rejecting the city's wage offer on Feb. 1, claiming it was well below rates in the municipal sector in other parts of the province.

Legally, they must give 48 hours notice before they can walk off the job.

Among other things, members of the union are responsible for treating waste water and repairing pipes. "We treat the water in plants. We treat waste water. We have men and women keeping the pipes intact, and when there's leaks getting them back in service again," Masters said.

Masters said he hopes talks will resume.

Halifax Water provides water, fire protection, waste water and storm water services and has about 400 employees.

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