Frustration grows on both sides after Corner Brook-CUPE talks fail

The lockout workers moved their picket line to City Hall this morning, posted at every entrance. Louder, more visible. They're confused now and feeling a little bit disrespected. Both sides returned to the bargaining table earlier this week. QP 4386 lowered their numbers even more, saying they are asking for $26,000 over four years. But the city rejected their offer. They weren't real pleased that we went down so far past what the mandate they had told us, but we're trying everything to get that building back open. Workers have been locked out since October 20th. The ice was taken up on October 16th. This major recreational complex brings big money to the West Coast city, and users are frustrated. Conversations from both parties are happening on social media, with the city posting statements and then blocking comments. One political digital strategist says, enough. They need to happen in a room. They need to happen in a meeting room and not necessarily out on social media. That is the best job. People elected you for a reason. Do the job. Please inform the public on what's happening and on the steps you're taking to make sure their life is better. Late today, the mayor and city manager held a press conference at City Hall, saying the Civic Center is not a big moneymaker, mostly subsidized, and the cost to operate it keeps getting higher. They are working on getting some tenants back in the building, but when it comes to increasing some workers' pay, they can't budge. It's not only this union that it's going to affect, it's going to affect other unions and our unions that are coming up for renegotiating in the next couple of years. So even though it seems like a little bit for CUPE right now, it's a big bit on our taxpayers in years to come. There is no plan to return to the table at this time. User groups have a protest planned outside City Hall Sunday. Colleen Connors, CBC News, Corner Brook.