More than 28,000 unionized City of Toronto workers could be off the job, in two weeks.

The provincial labour ministry has issued “no board” reports confirming talks are at an impasse.

The report puts the CUPE Local 416 outside workers in a legal strike position and the city in a legal lockout position on February 19th. And if no contract is reached, the CUPE Local 79 inside workers could join them one day later.

“Right now the parties are quite far apart, but in bargaining, within a few days, if people are willing, great strides can be made, and that’s what we’re hoping to see happen at the tables,” says Local 416 bargaining team member Katrina Miller.

The 5400 outside workers include garbage collectors who work east of Yonge Street and water and parks department staffs. Garbage collection west of Yonge Street is privatized.

The 23,000 inside workers include nurses, planners, social service employees and ambulance dispatchers.