Talks To End Essex County Library Strike Break Off

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Last updated: Wednesday September 14th, 8:47pm

Talks have broken off between the Essex County Library Board and CUPE 2974.

According to Renée Trombley, Manager of Corporate Communications and Accessibility for the county “the parties were unable to reach a resolution of the collective agreement.”

Both sides met on Tuesday and Wednesday after CUPE 2974 withdrew its unfair labour practice application.

“Once again, talks failed because the library board’s sick time position has not changed since before the strike began and that was well over 80 days ago,” said Lori Wightman, unit chair for CUPE 2974. “According to the board, their mandate is a directive from Essex County Council.  This board is refusing to stand up for the library services or the workers that deliver these important services. The board knows that sick time is not an issue at the libraries and their proposed plan will cost more, yet they refuse to stand up to County Council. Essentially this is a puppet board and the strings are being pulled by Essex County.”

All 14 Essex County libraries have been closed since June 25th.