A conciliator has called unionized firefighters and the City of Corner Brook to a weekend meeting that aims to avoid a strike.

Pete Daniels, president of Local 1222 of the International Association of Fire Fighters, said Friday that both sides have been asked to attend a meeting on Sunday afternoon.

More than 40 firefighters are prepared to strike as early as Monday morning. Earlier this week, they overwhelmingly voted to reject the latest offer from the city.

In addition to higher pay, the union wants the city's fire department to be designated as an essential service.

The union says Corner Brook is one of the few cities in Canada that does not recognize firefighters as essential.