The union representing about 800 Nova Scotia Power customers has filed a 48-hour notice of intent to strike with the Nova Scotia Labour Board as of Monday.
The move comes after the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1928 said Friday that its members had voted to reject the second tentative agreement with the utility company.
The union previously said it will continue discussions with the employer in the hopes of reaching a negotiated agreement.
In a statement, Nova Scotia Power spokesperson Jaqueline Foster said the company’s focus is on reaching a “fair and reasonable agreement for our unionized employees while supporting our commitment to providing safe, reliable electricity to our customers,” adding that “negotiations have been productive and respectful.”
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“Discussions continued today, and we have presented an enhanced offer. Out of respect for our employees and the collective bargaining process, we aren’t commenting further while we focus on ongoing negotiations.”
Foster said contingency planning is standard and has been “underway for some time” to provide reliable service to customers in the case of a strike.
A spokesperson for the province told Global News that the Essential Health and Community Services Act applies to health and community service sectors and does not extend to Nova Scotia Power.
However, the Department of Emergency Management has met with Nova Scotia Power and “will work closely with them, if needed, to support their contingency planning.”
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