REGINA - Contract talks continued Friday morning between Unifor, the union representing employees at Saskatchewan’s largest Crown corporations, and the provincial government.

In an update on Unifor’s website, the union’s bargaining committee said it was presenting a new offer Thursday evening and a proposed two-year wage freeze is a key sticking point in the talks.

Notice of job action has been served on behalf of workers at SaskTel, SaskPower and SaskEnergy and four smaller Crowns, according to Unifor.

If no agreement is reached, job action could begin as early as Monday, which could include refusing overtime, working to rule or possibly strikes.

“Our government recognizes that job action is part of the bargaining process and is the right of unions. However, we continue to feel a strike is not in the best interest of the Crowns, Crown employees, and Crown shareholders – the people of Saskatchewan,” Finance Minister Donna Harpauer said in a news release.

“We continue to have confidence in the collective bargaining process that will continue throughout the weekend. We are committed to providing updates if necessary.”

In the event of job action, essential services agreements and business continuity plans are in place at all Crowns to ensure vital services continue, she said.