No talks are scheduled this weekend between the Region of Waterloo and the union that represents striking Grand River Transit workers.

"We're still waiting. We haven't heard anything," said Tim Jewell, president of Unifor Local 4304, as the Grand River Transit strike enters its first weekend.

Mike Murray, the Region of Waterloo's CAO, says the "lines of communication are open," and the region's lead negotiator has been talking with the union's representative about when they can get together to talk.

"We're trying to schedule talks. I don't have anything specific yet that we're able to share," Murray said. "We're working on it. They're working on it. We're just trying to find the right time and conditions to get down to substantive discussions."

Grand River Transit workers will enter their fifth and sixth days off the job this weekend. Workers went on strike on Tuesday after rejecting a tentative agreement during a vote on Sunday.

Talks between the union and the region broke off Wednesday afternoon after the two sides couldn't come to an agreement. They have not met since.

Jewell has said the union is fighting for "a safer working environment and a reduction in disciplines" although he has declined to detail specific safety concerns.

Expect strikes at malls

Pickets are scheduled to take place at the two malls that anchor the Light Rail Transit route in Kitchener and Waterloo.

"We've reduced our crew because we don't need them down at 150 Frederick. We don't need them at Stratsburg Road," Jewell said. "So everybody's going to just concentrate and focus on the two malls."

Pickets will be set up at the corner of Wilson and Fairway at Fairview Mall and by the LRT at Conestoga Mall.

Karl Ditoro, general manager of Conestoga Mall, is aware of the picket occurring and said on Friday some "demonstrators had gathered on public land adjacent to the mall."

"We feel that it is up to individuals to take part in groups, movements and civic actions that matter to them," Ditoro said. "The comfort and safety of our guests is our highest priority, and we trust that all guests will be respectful of others when visiting Conestoga Mall."

Jewell said striking workers won't be handing out any information but will answer any questions from the public.