Contract negotiations between Consolidated Edison and its unionized workers broke down Sunday morning, leading to the discharge of close to 8,500 employees. 5,000 managers were immediately called in to run Con Ed following the dismissal.

"This is crazy! There's a heat wave," said David Palomino, a facility mechanic at the utility who was found picketing Sunday. Union officials predict more protesting on Monday.

Various issues such as healthcare, wages, and pensions were addressed within the negotiation.

"The fight has escalated" between both the utility and its employees, Palomino said, explaining that workers fear losing their pensions and benefits.

Con Ed spokesman, Michael Clendenin said, "We feel this is very unfortunate. Both sides are very far part."

Union spokesman John Melia says negotiations between the two parties went on for over a week. Although the contract was up at midnight Saturday, the discussion still persisted until 2 a.m. on Sunday.

Talks of the negotiation suspended as Sunday's weather reached a high 90 degrees, accompanied by a heat wave warning in New York City.

Continued hot weather is causing fear in residents that they will not be able to endure the heat without using power for air conditioning.

Con Ed serves close to 3.2 million customers in New York City and Westchester County.