Contract talks between the Ontario Nurses’ Association and Ontario Hospital Association have broken off.

The two sides began negotiations in late January and entered mediation two days ago.

Now their dispute will head to arbitration in early May.

”This round of negotiations has been incredibly difficult and frustrating,” said Bernie Robinson, interim president of the nurses group.

”ONA’s elected bargaining team went into talks with a strong and clear set of priorities that come from our front lines, and they have been met with an extremely disappointing and disrespectful response from the employers.”

The Ontario Hospital Association has not commented.

This will be the first contract for nurses since a judge found the wage restraint law unconstitutional late last year.

Bill 124 capped their salary increases at 1% a-year for three-years.