The local business community is worried about the impact of a possible work stoppage at Marine Atlantic.

Talks have broken off and conciliation comes to an end on Monday, followed by a 21-day cooling-off period after which time a strike or lockout is possible.

At issue this time around is Unifor’s contention that Marine Atlantic’s designation as an essential service is outdated.

That argument may come as a surprise to those on the island who rely on the goods carried across the gulf.

The CEO of the Board of Trade, AnnMarie Boudreau, says most local residents and business owners know how essential the service is to the supply chain.

“A lot of what we have, a lot of what we use, a lot of what ends up in front of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians for their everyday life, in fact does come via Marine Atlantic.”

Jim Cormier of the Retail Council says it’s naive to believe that a reduction in service won’t have a profound impact on the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Among the greatest concerns is food.

He says about 80-90 per cent of the fresh food that comes into the province is carried by Marine Atlantic.

He says the Retail Council understands the right to strike, but “it’s completely naive (of the union) to think that you can reduce a service by over 90 per cent and not have a catastrophic impact on the people of the province.”