The Thunder Bay Public Library has called off a mayoral forum scheduled for Thursday evening at its County Park branch due to an ongoing strike involving library workers in the northern Ontario city.
Richard Togman, the CEO of the public library system, expressed concern about the impact of the strike on both staff and the public and emphasized the importance of avoiding any conflicts. Togman stated that while it is disappointing not to host the forum, the primary focus is on reaching a fair agreement with the workers.
Approximately 70 library employees represented by CUPE Local 3120 and 87-18 initiated the strike on Thursday at all four city branches following a year-long deadlock in negotiations. Both unions have been working without updated contracts for nearly a year.
As a result of the strike, the library system has temporarily shut down its branches.
Jana O’Flaherty, the vice president of CUPE 3120 and a library-based services technician, lamented the employer’s decision to walk away from negotiations despite the unions’ willingness to engage. O’Flaherty emphasized the workers’ desire to maintain their existing benefits, stressing the importance of fair compensation to sustain their work.
Togman acknowledged that the library system has proposed concessions, including wage and benefit enhancements, short-term disability coverage, and maintaining the full pension plan. However, the unions believed the offers were insufficient, prompting the strike to secure better benefits and compensation.
While Togman expressed a willingness to resume negotiations, he highlighted the need for both parties to make compromises. He emphasized the system’s commitment to compensating workers fairly within budget constraints.
The library management is hopeful for a swift resolution to the strike, aiming to reopen branch operations for public service. Togman indicated plans to reopen the Mary JL Black branch to the public on Monday, followed by the County Park branch shortly thereafter, to ensure continued access to library services during the strike period.