After almost a year of negotiations, talks between the union representing more than 1,200 P.E.I. Health Department employees and the province are going to arbitration.

Negotiations began in April and broke down in December over monetary issues.

The Union of Public Sector Employees says conciliation talks began this week but the two sides were still too far apart to reach an agreement. The union said the major stumbling blocks are wages and issues surrounding recruitment and retention.

UPSE is now asking for binding arbitration. The workers involved include licensed practical nurses, resident care workers and other health professionals.

The workers do not have the right to strike.