Three hundred private sector cleaners employed by GDI Integrated Facilities Services in Halifax could be on strike starting next Monday if a new contract is not reached.

The Service Employees International Union Local 2 (SEIU) has announced that these workers, who have been without a contract since last September, are scheduled for a final conciliation meeting with their employer on Thursday.

The union states that the cleaners are pushing for raises that reflect the rising cost of living, better access to health benefits, retirement security, and protections against unfair workloads and subcontracting. SEIU’s news release highlights that most of these workers earn between $15.60 and $16.45 an hour.

GDI cleaners in Halifax work at several key locations, including ferry terminals, Purdy’s Wharf, Mic Mac Mall, Halifax Shopping Centre, and the RCMP headquarters in Dartmouth. The workers voted in favor of strike action last November. If no agreement is reached this week, they plan to proceed with the strike next week.