Let's encourage the union to be tough...

and hope for a very, very long strike.

Negotiations between the CBC and union representatives appear to be at an impasse, raising the spectre that a strike or lockout could take place within days.

The corporation said labour action could have a significant impact on program schedules, particularly its radio and online coverage. CFL football and NHL hockey would remain on the broadcast schedule, along with acquired programming and movies.

Talks fell apart Monday when the Canadian Media Guild, which represents about 5,500 technicians, journalists and administrative staff at the CBC, walked away from the table over the issue of employment status.

The corporation said that since Monday, the union has "continued to refuse to engage in collective bargaining."