Saskatoon Public Library workers issue strike notice, wages, safety

A strike notice has been issued from Saskatoon public library workers, calling for a new deal surrounding wages and strategies to address safety concerns.

In response, Saskatoon Public Library (SPL) locations will be closed on Nov. 12 and are set to reopen on Nov 13.

The notice made on Thursday came from the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) 2669, the union representing around 270 public library workers at nine locations.

Katherine Norton, a CUPE union representative, said in June, 95 per cent of library workers voted in favour of a strike mandate. The union is pushing for higher wages to keep up with the rising costs of living and safety concerns.

“Despite rising incidents of violence in libraries, there has not been a corresponding increase in safety measures to keep workers and library patrons safe,” she said.

Norton said there has been an escalation of incidents at the Saskatoon public libraries such as violence, verbal attacks, physical abuse, and in some cases alleging attempted sexual assaults and abductions.

“We’re (also) seeing people that are struggling with homelessness and addictions with nowhere to go,” she said.

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Norton added there has not been an increase in funding nor in safety measures to keep library workers safe.

“Library workers who are often (are) finding themselves working alone in these dangerous situations,” she said.

The union is giving the Saskatoon Public Library five days to come forward with a deal addressing these issues, or job action will commence.

Norton didn’t specify what actions would be taken if no deal was reached during the bargaining process.

“Library workers serve their community pride (and)  no one wants to be in this position,” Norton said. “They want to get back to work and continue to deliver the services that they love and care deeply about.”

According to a statement from the Saskatoon Public Library, in September a tentative agreement was reached. The offer included new wages and safety measures but was rejected.

“SPL is disappointed that CUPE 2669 members rejected the tentative agreement negotiated and signed by their bargaining committee,” it said.

In preparation, the SPL has filed a reciprocal lockout notice.

“This does not mean that we will be locking out employees at this time, only that it may be necessary if sustaining library service through job action is not possible,” a statement from the SPL said.

“SPL remains committed to the collective bargaining process and looks forward to reaching a final agreement.”

The SPL advises individuals to check for any further service updates online or by phone.