Library workers’ union declares impasse in talks with city
Posted February 24, 2012 11:31 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The union representing Toronto’s library workers says it has reached an impasse in talks with the city and wants a “no board” report from the Ministry of Labour.
If granted, a strike or lockout could happen 17 days later.
CUPE Local 4948 president Maureen O’Reilly said her union — which represents more than 2,300 library staff at nearly 100 branches — made the request because the library board “has not shown any interest” in negotiating in good faith.
She says the board has already cut library staff by 17 per cent since the city amalgamated even though usage has jumped 29 per cent.
“The library board is seeking massive concessions from [our members’] contract,” O’Reilly said in a statement released Friday.
“We are being stretched thin. If the board values public library services, they will remove the concessions and negotiate a fair deal.”
The library workers’ contract expired on Jan. 1.
