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Nothing new. No more for you. We have no money for staffing.
Must cut back. Funds we lack. You’re not important to us.

~New lyrics to Silver Bells sung at the “All We Want For Christmas Rally”


All CUPE members at the Regina Public Library want for Christmas is a fair contract offer from their employer. That’s the message CUPE 1594 members delivered through re-worked Christmas carols and stories outside the Regina central library on December 5 at the “All We Want For Christmas Rally”.

The 180 library workers, members of CUPE 1594, have been without a new contract for nearly two years, as their employer continues to insist on concessions, including lower wages for working Sundays and two tiered benefits.

Can you believe it? The civic workers with the lowest wages and poorest benefits are expected to accept even less,” CUPE 1594 President Debbie Mihial told rally supporters. “Is it any wonder library workers feel undervalued and unappreciated,” she told the boisterous crowd.

CUPE Saskatchewan President Tom Graham told rally participants that Regina public library workers don’t receive the pay or recognition they deserve. “That’s a sad reflection on the library management and board,” he stated.

Library board members and management are “clearly out of step with patrons and out of touch with staff, Saskatchewan Federation of Labour President Larry Hubich told the crowd. “If they can’t negotiate a fair contract after 23 months, they should step down so more enlightened leadership can take over,” he stated.

The SFL President presented the library board with a Christmas stocking stuffed with gift-wrapped, lumps of coal.