圣约翰罢工迫在眉睫

[B]Talks break down between Delta Brunswick property owners and the United Steelworkers[/B]

A mall and hotel complex in the heart of uptown Saint John could be surrounded by picket lines as early as 8 a.m. Saturday.

Talks between the complex's owner Fortis Properties and a union representing more than 100 workers broke down Friday.

The United Steelworkers represent Delta Brunswick hotel housekeepers and kitchen staff, as well as maintenance workers in the Brunswick Square mall and parking lot attendents in the attached garage.

Lawrence McKay, Atlantic coordinator for the union, said a key issue is union representation. The union wants a union representative present when employees are dealing with management for discipline or other issues.

The hotel was unionized about four years ago, McKay said, "and our opinion is the company still hasn't accepted that they're unionized."

The workers had a contract with Brunswick Square owner Fortis Properties, which expired June 30.

McKay believes it's unlikely the hotel could stay open in the event of a strike.

But Fortis Properties spokesperson Gayle Tucker says the company intends to keep the Brunswick Square complex open.

She says the focus will be on minimizing any disruption for customers and guests.

Both sides say they're still open to returning to the bargaining table. However, no talks are currently scheduled before Saturday morning.