Just as the busy tourism season gets underway, a potential strike is looming at Marine Atlantic.

Last month UNIFOR indicated that conciliated talks with Marine Atlantic had broken down.

The negotiations involve two bargaining units: Local 4285 which represents quartermasters, deckhands, life raft maintainers, and engine room assistants – and Local 4286 which represents senior chief stewards, chief stewards, pursers, and senior chief cooks.

At the time, the union indicated that it had filed an application with the Canada Industrial Relations Board to determine what, if any, services could be deemed essential in the event of a strike. The union claims the company’s response “relied on outdated conditions that do not reflect current operations.”

Conciliation expires next Monday, followed by a 21-day cooling off period before a possible strike or lockout.

Placentia Mayor Jamie Neville is urging both sides to find a resolution, noting that demand for services in Argentia has reached “unprecedented levels” and they’re “poised to deliver one of the strongest tourism seasons in decades.”

He is warning that “any disruption to ferry services would have “significant consequences,” including the movement of essential goods into the province.