Intense bargaining between the Toronto Public Library Workers Union (TPLWU) and the TPL Board hasn’t resulted in an agreement yet. The Board is still pressing for concessions especially around Sunday work and not addressing library workers’ needs. If the negotiations come to a standstill, the Union’s bargaining committee may decide that strike action is necessary.
The Library Workers had a historic high participation in their strike vote. Over 96% approved a strike mandate. Members felt the Library Board proposals did not meet their needs for a fair inflation-adjusted wage increase, no forced Sunday work hours, and better Health & Safety measures.
Over 75 TPLWU members showed up to support President Brandon Haynes’ presentation of their bargaining position to the TPL Board:
Current events at Our Public Library illustrate the need for the Board to agree to TPLWU’s positions. As the Toronto Star’s Rosie DiManno states, “Heightened safety, along with staffing levels, are paramount for Toronto librarians” (https://www.thestar.com/opinion/star-columnists/who-will-keep-your-local-library-branch-safe-disorder-and-danger-have-grown-but-librarians/article_df3d9a36-600d-4f34-a5d1-489f92182e2a.html).
The Library Workers are having difficulties getting a fair contract offer from the Library Board. The City has recently settled with its inside and outside workers. If you support protecting and enhancing the Toronto Public Library, its workers and the services they provide, please Join Us.
