Over 70 people rally in support of Thunder Bay library workers: ‘If you have to strike, we’ll be with you on the picket line’

Thunder Bay, ON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Over 70 people joined a solidarity rally on Thursday evening, October 8, in support of Thunder Bay Public Library (TBPL) workers one week ahead of a looming strike deadline.

The rally took place outside the Waverley Branch and coincided with the monthly meeting of the library’s Board of Directors, which continues to push concessions at the bargaining table.

“We just want a fair deal and to continue doing the jobs we love,” said Margaret Demillo, President of CUPE 3120, which represents over 60 library workers in the TBPL. “But we’re prepared to defend our working conditions and the services we provide to the community.”

The library’s proposed concessions include the removal or reduction of sick leave, vacation, and many health benefits. Rally speakers called on the Library Board to withdraw its concessions and avert a strike.

“Our members have fought long and hard for good working conditions at the library,” said Deryk Fournier, President of CUPE 87, the union that represents librarians at the TBPL. “Good jobs ensure the high quality of the work they do and the programs they deliver.”

Members of other trade unions and community groups joined the rally and offered words of support. Many participants wore t-shirts with the slogan, “We support Thunder Bay Public Library workers” and carried placards that read “No cuts, closures, or concessions” and “Fair deal now!”

Following the rally, dozens of participants packed the Library Board meeting, in a show of solidarity with library workers, and later joined an Open House where they distributed leaflets that drew attention to the impending year-long closure of the Waverley Branch for renovations.

“The Board has no confirmed plans to open an alternate location while Waverley is closed,” added Demillo. “That represents a significant cut in services and could result in many lay offs.”

Ontario NDP MPP for Thunder Bay – Superior North, Lise Vaugeois, echoed the workers’ concerns: “We all look forward to Waverley’s expansion, but it’s not acceptable that this comes at the cost of librarians and library workers.

“A library is nothing without the people there to support the people it serves.”

Bargaining will continue next week, but picket lines are expected at all four library branches if a deal can’t be reached by the deadline of 12:01 am on Thursday, October 15, which means a strike could be underway during the upcoming municipal election.

“If you have to strike, we’ll be with you on the picket line,” said Carlos Santander-Maturana, President of the Thunder Bay & District Labour Council. “Library workers are the heart of our libraries: an attack on them is an attack on the entire library system.”

• CUPE 3120 represents the Library Assistants, Library Technicians, Custodian, Maintenance Persons, Cleaners, Network and Software Support Analysts, Community Facilitators, and Finance Staff from the Thunder Bay Public Library.
• CUPE 87-18 represents seven full-time librarians from the Thunder Bay Public Library.
• Rally photos are available here: https://bit.ly/tblwphotos
• Videos: What are library workers asking for? https://bit.ly/tblwvideos

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