Striking library workers still without contract

Essex County library workers continue their job action this week after talks once again broke off.

Officials from CUPE 2974 say they will not accept the latest proposal from the Essex County Library Board, which was offered Friday.

The library board called that proposal its final offer.

CUPE said the main problem is the board's proposal to use athird party to handle its short-term disability. The board says using one company to streamline employee benefits will have significant cost savings.

"We gave the employer everything they asked for, except for the third party," said Lori Wightman, spokesperson for CUPE 2974. "They tried to buy us with wage increases and signing bonuses, but it's not now or ever been about the money."

Wightman says she has full confidence the membership will vote down the contract. She hopes that this will send a strong message to the library board about what the employees really want.

The library board says they believe the contract is reasonable.

"We believe it is a fair agreement for employees and one that we hope CUPE will seriously consider, so that we can return library services to our communities," said Richard Meloche, chairman of the library board.

It is unknownwhen the vote will happen.

The library board says they asked the union representatives to take the proposal to the membership for the vote without endorsement. Union members declined so the library board has to file an application to the ministry.

Vice-chairman of the library board, Nelson Santos says if the membership doesn't vote in favour, the two parties will have to work out something else.

"We will both really have to start looking at how we are going to find a way to get the libraries open, I think both sides are very concerned about the services. We are very supportive of the library branches. Our communities are relying on the branches across Essex County," said Santos.

The Essex County Library branches have been closed for the past five months.