CUPE 2669 members are holding a read-in at tonight’s council meeting in Saskatoon. The public library workers, along with their friends, families and supporters will have the read-in to draw council’s attention to the fact that they have now been waiting for more than three years to settle a fair contract.
“Council needs to get involved and tell the Library Board’s negotiation team to negotiate a fair settlement,” says CUPE 2669 Vice-president Dolores Douglas. “The Board is refusing to talk with us, and it’s impossible to reach a settlement if we’re not even talking.”
CUPE 2669 is seeking fairness and an increase above the 2-2-3 mandate offered to city workers. Since 2008, managers and non-union staff at the library received increases that averaged 49 per cent. Saskatoon Public Library workers are seeking a 15 per cent general wage increase over three years to bring their wages closer in line to other library workers providing similar services.
Despite much public support, the library board is refusing to settle a fair contract.
CUPE 2669 represents approximately 250 library workers at Saskatoon Public Library. The employer is refusing to continue bargaining despite repeated requests from the Local. These workers have been without a contract agreement since March 31, 2010. Their blog can be found at readallaboutus.net.
For more information:
Dolores Douglas at 306-230-4139