Union rejects new pension offer: Halifax Water

A lockout at the Halifax Regional Water Commission continues after the latest round of talks ended without agreement between the utility and the union for 300 employees.

Six days of negotiations broke off late Thursday night over changes to employee pensions.

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Heather Corkum, president of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) branch representing 105 inside workers affected by the labour dispute, says Halifax Water refused to cap pensionable earnings because of seven upper management members who make more than the cut-off amount.

Halifax Water says in a release it believes it has made fair and reasonable pension and wage increase proposals, and is willing to return to the table if CUPE presents a tangible offer.

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Unionized water workers went to the picket lines on May 19 after being locked out.

Halifax Water says management and non-union staff will continue to provide water services to customers during the lock-out.