Toronto public library workers could begin work stoppage March 18
Posted March 1, 2012 3:49 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The union representing Toronto public library workers has been granted a no board report from the Ontario Labour Relations Board, which means both sides in the bargaining talks would be in a legal strike or lockout position at 12:01 a.m. March 18.
“The library is continuing to bargain in good faith and is committed to a successful resolution of all issues,” the Toronto Public Library Board said in a release. “Meetings are scheduled over the next few weeks and we expect negotiations to continue as planned.”
CUPE Local 4948 represents more than 2,300 library staff at more than 100 city branches.
Union president Maureen O’Reilly previously told CityNews 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 late February.
“We are being stretched thin.”
The library workers’ contract expired on Jan. 1.
On February 15, after rounds of tense negotiations, city councillors unanimously approved a deal with Toronto’s outside workers’ union, striking a new deal that includes a six per cent pay hike over the term of the four-year contract.
