Starting Nov. 28, Victoria’s library workers will forgive fines over $10 if you bring a donation for a local food bank.
Update: Library management have threatened to discipline any workers who waive any library fines and reclaim the fine money from the union.
- See also Overdue promise: Victoria library workers’ campaign for pay equity
The “food for fines” initiative is part of CUPE 410’s rotating job action campaign that began Sept. 7.
The 100 CUPE members are fighting for pay equity. Their rotating strikes and other actions are aimed at bringing their employer, the Greater Victoria Labour Relations Association (GVLRA) to the table, while minimizing public inconvenience.
“The GVLRA has refused to negotiate even one penny towards funding pay equity for Victoria library workers, who are predominately female and continue to experience wage discrimination,” said CUPE 410 president Ed Seedhouse.
Seedhouse said his members are prepared to keep escalating job action until the GVLRA comes back to the bargaining table.
CUPE 410 members also shut down nine Victoria-area libraries and put up picket lines at the city’s main branch Nov. 27