Library workers rally ahead of bargaining deadline
Posted March 14, 2012 10:31 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The union representing Toronto’s library workers gathered for a rally on Wednesday amid a looming strike or lockout.
CUPE Local 4948 says it’s calling for a fair contract and no stop to service.
Union president Maureen O’Reilly — along with poet Robert Priest, librarian Mary Bissell, and library patron Guy Ewing— were among those who spoke at the Toronto Reference Library.
“Thanks to the recent budget reversal, the support for our libraries across Toronto is obvious,” said O’Reilly.
“The board is trying to pretend that this somehow doesn’t mean support for librarians. But it’s clear they can expect an outcry if they disrupt libraries by disrupting our ability to work.”
Earlier this month, the Ontario Labour Relations Board granted the Toronto Public Library Workers Union a no board report, which means both the union and the city will be in a legal strike or lockout position at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday.
Bissell, who is an experienced librarian, said she still works two jobs to put together a living wage. She said Torontonians may be surprised to learn the library board does not give librarians the treatment they deserve.
“I’ve never received benefits, and between both jobs often work 12 days in a row.…I’m no longer sure I’ll ever find full-time employment before I retire. I love being a librarian, but my economic future is grim,” she said.
Local 4948 represents more than 2,300 library staff at more than 100 city branches.
The library workers’ contract expired on Jan. 1.
