NAPE president Carol Furlong says the union has no recourse but to organize a strike vote at Purity Factories in St. John's. NAPE president Carol Furlong says the union has no recourse but to organize a strike vote at Purity Factories in St. John's. (CBC)

Negotiations for a new labour contract at a well-known candy manufacturer in St. John's have become anything but sweet.

Talks with Purity Factories Ltd. have broken off in a dispute over wages, the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees said.

NAPE is organizing a strike vote, president Carol Furlong said.

"We've been to the bargaining table, we've been to conciliation and at this stage now we have no recourse but to go back to our membership for a vote," she said.

"But the membership are clearly expressing their disappointment that the employer is not recognizing the contribution they're making to this local industry."

Purity manufactures a variety of products, including cookies, candies, syrups, and hard bread, a staple in fish and brewis.

The two sides are reported to be apart by about $2 per hour.

Of the 52 employees at the factory, 24 have more than 30 years of service.