Workers at the Saskatoon Public Library (SPL) have ratified a tentative collective agreement.

After more than three years of bargaining, on November 27, 2019, CUPE 2669 and the Saskatoon Public Library reached a tentative agreement via a voluntary mediation process. The last collective agreement expired on December 31, 2016.

“The wage increases are meager in contrast to the money SPL has directed into its reserves for a new building. It is our position that employees should be given first preference over a new building and structure,” said Rhonda Heisler, the CUPE national representative. “However, we were able to jointly clarify and expand many processes in the collective agreement, including grievances, layoff and recall, sick leave, and other leaves.”

The SPL’s proposal for general wage increases and effective dates is as follows:

            December 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018                    1.5%

            July 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018                      0.5%

            January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019              1.75%

            January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020              1.75%

The new contract will expire on December 31, 2020.

CUPE 2669 represents 270 public library workers in the City of Saskatoon at nine Saskatoon Public Library locations.