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SASKATOON: Saskatoon Public Library workers represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees announced today that they intend to return to work on November 19, when contract negotiations are set to resume.

It is the first time in nearly a month that the union and library board will bargain.

“After 19 months without a contract, we want a commitment to a job evaluation plan and implementation of pay equity to address longstanding wage discrimination at the library,” said Gwen Thomson, president of CUPE Local 2669, which represents the 260 library workers.

The library workers, 93 per cent of whom are women, began a series of rotating strikes on September 25 to back their contract demands.

“All we’re asking for is equal pay for work of equal value,” said Thomson. “We’re hopeful that library management will be ready to negotiate a process to achieve this.”

“Library workers don’t want to be on strike, but we feel we have no alternative. We ask for the public’s continued support and patience as staff return to work and attempt to deal with the backlog.”

Thomson also said union members would be attending next Monday’s city council meeting.



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For more information contact Gwen Thomson or Andy Iwanchuk, staff representative at 382-8262