Premier Tony Wakeham says a potential strike at Marine Atlantic this summer is of significant concern to the province.

In the event of a strike, service could be reduced to three crossings a week and the Argentia run will be shut down.

It comes down to a dispute over what constitutes an “essential service.”

According to Marine Atlantic, the Canadian Industrial Relations Board determined in 2004 that the ferry service between Newfoundland and Nova Scotia is essential to the health and safety of the public, and as a result service cannot be reduced in the event of a strike or lockout.

Unifor claims that the corporation’s response to what constitutes an “essential service” relies on “outdated conditions that do not reflect current operations” and has asked that the CIRB reconsider that decision.

The premier says he’s discussed the issue with federal officials.

“Because right now, any kind of a slowdown on Marine Atlantic is a problem for us. As a matter of fact I would suggest we need more ships running that route.”

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