A dispute between the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor and the union that represents its 100-member municipal workforce escalated at daybreak into a full-on work stoppage.

The town has locked out the union after Local 1349 rejected what the town called its final offer. Mayor Barry Manuel says the changes they’re looking for would have minimal impact on employees but save the town a significant amount of money. The health benefits are funded 100 per cent by the town but Mayor Manuel says all they’re asking from the union is to cover future cost increases.

He says because they negotiated it 18 years ago, it’s considered untouchable by the union, which brought in a “no concession” policy during negotiations.

Mayor Manuel says the workers will not lose their health benefits during the interruption.

Meanwhile, their contingency plan will call on managers to help to provide some of the services normally provided by unionized employees. He says contractors will also be doing some work.

He is asking the union to continue providing dispatch services for the fire department but has yet to receive a response.

Tammie Greening with CUPE will speak with the VOCM Morning Show tomorrow morning.