Inside workers for the City of London could be on strike as of 12:01 a.m. on May 23rd, if a new contract agreement isn't reached.
CUPE Local 101 officlas say its members will be in a legal strike or lockout position at that time.
A 'No Board Report' was filed Wednesday at the request of the union amid rising frustration after no significant movement in talks involving the city, union and a conciliator.
In a letter to members, union officials say they're open to additional talks before they reach that deadline, but preparations are being made in the event that there is a lockout.
Inside workers with the city provide services like building inspections, issuing licences for marriages and businesses, and also handle social services, recreation programs and bylaw enforcement departments.
The city's approximately 750 unionized workers voted 91 per cent in favour of a strike mandate in March.
Bill Coxhead, managing director of Parks and Recreation for the city, says there is a plan in place for priority services in case of a work stoppage.
"Folks who need assistance through Ontario Works are very vulnerable, and we are going to be ensuring that they get the necessities...We have identified contingency plans to put resources in play to make sure they get what they need."
However, the city admits other services could see delays.
Both sides say they are willing to work toward a resolution, but the next face-to-face talks between the two sides with a provincial mediator aren't scheduled for another two weeks, just before the deadline.
