The mayor of Mount Pearl isn’t surprised that sports programs are being suspended as he’s hearing of bullying and intimidation on the picket lines.

However, CUPE says that is not so.

Local 2099 has been on strike for six days with picket lines up at various locations.

Mayor Dave Aker questions the conduct of picketers.

He says students who want to play baseball and volleyball are not being allowed through the picket line without some form of interrogation.

The mayor says it’s supposed to be a dispute between two parties, and that he can understand why parents would be upset.

However, union local president Ken Turner takes issue with the statements.

He says if the RNC had told them to take down a picket line, they would have done so but police have not asked for such a measure. Turner says all they’re doing is asking people for patience as they are only information pickets. He says cars are being held up for only a minute or so, just long enough to hear what the union has to say.

Meanwhile, City Hall is closed today because of the dispute.

Services can be accessed by calling 748-1000 until 7 p.m. tonight.

The labour dispute has resulted in a disruption in services to residents and the temporary suspension of both indoor and outdoor sporting programs.

Mayor Dave Aker says the city is ready and willing to return to the bargaining table at any time.

He indicates he was aware of “a lot of chatter over the weekend” concerning the availability of city infrastructure.