The County Park branch of the Thunder Bay Public Library has decided to cancel a mayoral forum scheduled for Thursday night due to an ongoing strike by library workers in the northern Ontario city. Richard Togman, the CEO of the public library system, expressed regret over the cancellation, emphasizing the importance of reaching a fair compromise with the workers rather than creating conflict unintentionally.
Approximately 70 library workers, represented by CUPE Local 3120 and 87-18, initiated the strike on Thursday at all four city branches following unsuccessful negotiations that have lasted nearly a year. The workers are working with expired contracts under both unions, leading to the temporary closure of the library branches.
Jana O’Flaherty, the vice president of CUPE 3120, highlighted the workers’ willingness to negotiate, expressing their desire to retain their existing benefits to sustain their work. Despite the workers’ openness to bargaining, the employer has not shown the same commitment, leading to the current impasse.
Togman mentioned that the library system has proposed various concessions, including wage and benefit increases and maintaining the full pension plan. However, the unions felt that the offer was insufficient, prompting them to strike in pursuit of additional benefits. Togman reiterated the library system’s willingness to resume negotiations to find a mutually agreeable solution.
While the strike continues, the library management plans to keep one branch open on each side of the community to provide essential services to the public. The Mary JL Black branch is set to reopen on Monday, with the County Park branch expected to follow suit shortly after. Both parties are hopeful for a swift resolution to the strike through constructive dialogue and compromise.
