A strike or lockout for the Essex County Library system could happen as early as Saturday morning after contract talks broke down Wednesday.

Talks between CUPE Local 2974.1 and Essex County Library management took place yesterday with a provincial mediator.

The two sides were unable to reach a deal and the talks broke off.

As of Thursday morning no new talks had been scheduled ahead of Saturday’s deadline.

Workers could strike or be locked out by 12:01 a.m. Saturday.

The 58 full and part time workers have been without a contract since April 1st.