The Iron Ore Company of Canada and the steelworkers union have broken off contract talks.

Union officials briefed members in Labrador City on Monday night.

Local union president Ron Thomas told CBC News the company's proposal to fly in and fly out workers is an issue.

The United Steelworkers of America represents about 1,400 IOC workers in Labrador City.

Their contract expires at the end of February.

Thomas says three of the last four rounds of contract talks resulted in strikes and the same could happen this time.