האגודה הישראלית לחקר יחסי עבודה

The union representing striking library workers in the county is filing a complaint against the library board alleging bad faith bargaining.

“You can’t call it bargaining if you don’t move your position,” says Lori Wightman, sub-unit chair with CUPE Local 2974.

She says the union has put in an honest effort to put an end to the now 53 day strike.

“The union side of it has moved position five times and the library board has not moved their position since three days before the strike, on June 22nd,” says Wightman.

She hopes the complaint to the Ontario Labour Relations Board will encourage the Essex County Library Board back to the bargaining table.

“It’s not going to be a quick fix. It’s not like by the end of the week we’ll be back in the libraries,” says Wightman. “It’s a step that we take, but it’s not a solution.”

Talks were last held on August 8.

The strike has forced the closure of the 12 library branches in the county essentially all summer.

— with files from Maureen Revait