Mount Pearl City Council municipal workers went on strike Wednesday night.
Local 2099 of the CUPE has long been in a contractual dispute with the employer. The 200 workers offer services such as recreation, taxation, public works, engineering and planning.
Ken Turner, president of CUPE Local 2099, says one of the main problems is that the city wants to impose a two-tier system with lower benefits for new hires. He says the same benefits should apply to all workers.
Some services will be interrupted
Mayor Dave Aker says summer camps will continue, but some services will be disrupted.
He says they will do everything possible to ensure the maintenance of the rugby, football, softball and baseball fields. However, the community centers, the Summit Center and the Glacier will remain closed.
Garbage collection will continue but only once every two weeks. Recycling has been suspended.
Over the next few days, residents will receive a brochure in the mail with schedules and services. Anyone with questions can call 748-1000.