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REGINA: Regina Public Library workers voted 96% in favour of ratifying a new collective agreement at a union meeting today, bringing an end to a four week strike. The agreement was reached yesterday afternoon with library management.

The strength of our membership on the picket line and strong public support enabled us to achieve a collective agreement that addresses our key bargaining priorities,” said Rosemary Oddie, acting president of CUPE Local 1594, which represents the library workers.

The new contract includes a commitment to a joint study to achieve pay equity for the library workforce, which is predominately female. “This study will use the pay equity principle of equal pay for work of equal value to identify and end gender-based wage discrimination,” said Oddie.

The 180 library workers will also receive an employer-paid health plan beginning January 1, 2003 and a 3% wage increase in each year of the three-year agreement. The contract also requires library management to fully disclose the reasons for contracting out work and gives the union an opportunity to suggest alternatives.

Oddie thanked library patrons and the public for their patience and generous support through the strike, which began on April 16.

The library workers will return to work on Monday. The new agreement will be in effect until December 31, 2003.

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For more information contact
Rosemary Oddie at 306 347-2215 or
Mike Keith at 306 525-5874 or 306 536-4856