The members of CUPE 2067.01, representing 70 library workers at the Windsor Public Library, WPL, will be in a legal strike position as of midnight, June 30.
In March, CUPE 2067.01 members voted overwhelmingly in favour of a strike mandate, with 96% of the 75% of participating members supporting the measure.
Councillor and Library Board Chair Mark McKenzie’s Sunday-hour plan demands a “net-zero cost increase.” There are only two levers to pull: either more funding or service cuts.
WPL’s proposal to close the library during the week is robbing Peter to pay Paul.
“While a strike is not our desired outcome, the union is prepared to take action if necessary to protect our existing open hours,” says CUPE 2067 President Dan Rutherford. “Councillor McKenzie’s math just doesn’t add up. The union is open to expanding hours and services with the appropriate funding and staffing, but that isn’t the city’s proposal. They’re trying to pull a fast one on residents.”
CUPE 2067 represents workers at Windsor Public Library and Art Windsor Essex.
Windsor Public Library has been in bargaining since the beginning of the year, after the contract expired in December 2023.
The union is asking WPL users to reject the City’s proposal by signing a petition.
The union’s petition can be found at: https://cupe.ca/support-windsor-library-workers