The clock is ticking toward a set deadline on contentious negotiations between the City of Toronto and the union representing some 6,000 outside workers after a provincial ruling set the ball in motion.

Ontario's Ministry of Labour issued a "No Board Report" which, on the request of the city, places a 17-day deadline on the ongoing collective bargaining negotiations with CUPE Local 416.

At one minute past midnight on Feb. 5, the city will be legally allowed to lock out CUPE workers and the union will be legally allowed to go on strike.

"We will have contingency plans in place to address key city services in the event of a disruption," Toronto City Manager Joe Pennachetti said in a statement Thursday. "It's important to note, however, we are still at the table with Local 416 and we are working hard to reach a negotiated settlement.

CUPE Local 416 President Mark Ferguson said the union has no intention of going on strike and warned the public that any work stoppage would come at the hands of the government.

But Ferguson told CP24 late Thursday afternoon that talks between the union representing outdoor workers, including garbage collectors and paramedics, and the city had a markedly different tone during the day.

"For the first time we saw the city come to the table and engage in a meaningful dialogue … " he said. "Today they actually engaged in a discussion which puts us in a much better position to bargain changes that makes sense for the city and for our members and makes sense for protecting public services."

However, he cautioned that it was only the "first day of the count down."

"I am hopeful that the city is going to continue with the effort that they put in today and if they do it is very good news and I think a settlement may be achieved," he said. "If they resort to tactics that we were experiencing earlier in the process that doesn't bode well for the process at all."

The two sides are expected to meet again Friday afternoon and have set aside time over the weekend as well.

The city and union have been negotiating a new deal since October. The previous contract expired in December.

While the city is looking for an end to employment security provisions, the union has been steadfast in holding on to the so-called "jobs-for-life" provision and has offered to take a wage freeze instead.

Toronto's employee and labour relations committee requested a "No Board Report" from the provincial government last week, saying they had seen no progress in negotiations.