The Capital District Health Authority confirms it is suspending "a large number" of nurses who participated in an illegal walkout in April during in a contentious contract negotiation.

Bruce English, speaking for CDHA, says the illegal walkout "wasn't acceptable and there are consequences for not fulfilling the collective agreement."

English would not specify how many nurses will be suspended, saying 174 members of the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU) belonging to Local 97 were interviewed as part of the disciplinary process.

He would not discuss the length of the suspensions. Sources have told CBC News the suspensions are for two days.

The NSGEU says it will file grievances in every one of the suspensions.

Capital Health says the nurses will serve their suspensions over a number of months.

English said there will be no need to pay overtime to the nurses who are replacing those suspended.

"We can build this into the schedule," English told CBC News.