300 Halifax Water utility workers locked-out

HALIFAX—More than 300 unionized workers for the utility that provides water services to the city of Halifax are off the job today.

The workers at Halifax Water went on the picket line at 8 a.m., although Canadian Union of Public Employees spokesman John McCracken says the utility had already locked out the employees at 12:30 a.m.

Proposed changes to the pension plan are at the heart of the dispute.

The workers, including 230 outside and 105 inside workers, are represented by CUPE Locals 227 and 1431.

The utility says it has plans in place to ensure services are not disrupted.