The union that represents Nova Scotia Power (NSP) electricians is threatening legal action as the utility plans to contract out work.

Last October, the company announced it would look at outsourcing up to 250 jobs.

Over the past three weeks, the utility has announced that up to 23 jobs could be contracted out.

A representative of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1928 says outsourcing union jobs is a violation of their collective agreement, and he's disappointed with the government for letting this happen.

"When Stephen McNeil was in opposition, he was hard on NSP, but he since he came into government, he took a soft stance," said business manager Jeff Richardson. "Every time Nova Scotia Power is on his agenda, he puts on a Darrell Dexter suit."

Richardson says that as soon as a layoff notice is given, the union will take NSP to court.