Prince George, B.C. – It’s back to the bargaining table this morning for the City of Prince George outside workers and City Hall.

This will be the first session since the members of CUPE locals 399 and 1048 rejected the City’s final contract offer which would have given workers a wage hike of 3%, 3% and 3% over a three year deal.

The contract was rejected on the basis the final year would have seen outside workers receiving less than their counterparts in other parts of the Province.

CUPE local 399 President Dennis Marleau says they are heading back to the talks with optimism and a willingness to achieve a final contract. While not able to say what the Union will bring to the table, Marleau indicates there is room to move “Nothing is written in stone”.

The 600 outside workers have been without a contract since the end of December.