CUPE 2669 Saskatoon Public Library workers take strike vote
SASKATOON – Workers at Saskatoon Public Library, members of CUPE Local 2669, have voted overwhelmingly to give their bargaining committee a strike mandate, if they are unable to reach a contract agreement with the library board negotiators.
“It’s been very disappointing that the Board negotiators have been completely unwilling to deal with any of the issues that we have brought to the table on behalf of our members,” says Dolores Douglas, CUPE 2669 president.
The Local wants the employer to remove concessions from the table and is seeking improvements for the lowest paid workers at Saskatoon Public Library.
“Many of our members regularly use the food bank and hold down two or three jobs to make ends meet,” Douglas said. “A two per cent increase on minimum wage is just not good enough.”
One third of CUPE 2669 members are library pages and start work at minimum wage.
The workers have been without a contract since March 31, 2010. Library workers will continue to work and hope to reach a fair agreement without being forced to exercise their strike mandate.
“We want to continue providing the quality public services that residents rely on at Saskatoon Public Library,” says Douglas.
CUPE 2669 represents approximately 250 workers at Saskatoon Public Library who provide programs, activities and storytelling for all ages, shelve books, provide research assistance, help patrons find that special book or Internet site - and many specialized services that keep the library running smoothly. Saskatoon Public Library has seven branch libraries as well as the Main Central Library that serves residents of Saskatoon and many throughout the province.
For mor information, please contact:
Dolores Douglas, CUPE 2669 President: cell 230-4139
Rhonda Heisler, CUPE National Representative: cell 280-7835