No talks are scheduled between Horizon Utilities and its striking membership which is three weeks into Ontario's first hydro labour disruption in 30 years.

Sandy Manners, director of corporate communications for Horizon Utilities said talks had broken off with the union and have not resumed.

"We are available to meet with the union and go back to the bargaining table anytime,"said Ms. Manners.

Domenic Muracu, business manager for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 636 did not return a call for comment.

But he has stated that part of the reason for the strike was concerns over wages and benefits, especially for workers that were involved in the 2005 merger between Hamilton and St.Catharines utilities. The union has similar concerns about members' wages and benefits being affected by the proposed Horizon Utilities merger with Guelph Hydro.

Ms. Manners would not comment on what the issues the utility and the union are fighting over. A provincial mediator was called in after the union went out on strike June 17.

Ms. Manners said administrative staff are continuing to shore up the utilities' service. In case of emergencies, hydro crews will be sent out, she said.

She said customers in St. Catharines and Hamilton will still receive their bills.

The strike has delayed a decision by Guelph council to approve the merger between Guelph Hydro and Horizon. A council meeting had been scheduled for last week to discuss the issue.

Guelph Hydro has recommended the merge proceed.

Hamilton and St. Catharines councils are expected to decide on the merger in the middle of July.