Ajax library workers reject two-tier contract: ‘We need a fair deal for everyone’

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Postmedia has not reviewed the content. by Business Wire Ajax library workers reject two-tier contract: 'We need a fair deal for everyone'Author of the article:AJAX, ON — Library workers in the Town of Ajax, Ontario have massively rejected a two-tier contract in a “final offer” vote requested by their Employer. Full-time employees voted 100 per cent to reject the offer, while part-time employees voted 96.1 per cent. Voter turnout was nearly 96 per cent.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLYSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESCreate an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an Account“This is an overwhelming rejection by our members of the Library’s attempt to create unequal and unfair working conditions in the workplace,” said Elaine Lievaart, acting President of CUPE 3565, the union that represents library workers at the Ajax Public Library. “Management tried to divide us against each other, but this vote shows we’re more united than ever.”The Ontario Labour Relations Board conducted the vote from September 17 to 18, which took place days before a strike deadline of Monday, September 21. The union urged the Employer to focus on bargaining instead of trying to circumvent the bargaining process.Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again“A vote this strong should tell the Employer loud and clear: Get back to the bargaining table and negotiate a fair deal,” said Devon Ward, CUPE 3565 spokesperson. “The union is prepared to bargain all weekend in order to avert a strike on Monday. We hope the Employer is, too.”On Thursday evening, about 60 library workers and their supporters held an info picket & solidarity rally at the Audley Branch of the Ajax Public Library. Dozens of library users stopped by to express their support for the workers ( https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61594195512873&sk=photos), with many pledging to visit picket lines in the event of a strike.Supporters included municipal workers from Ajax and the surrounding region; library workers from the City of Toronto; and many local high school students, parents, and seniors.“We are so grateful for the support that community members showed us last night,” said Lievaart. “It is really heartening to know that people deeply value the work we do and the service we provide, and that they agree we should all be treated fairly.”The union has confirmed that the Library has agreed to at least one day of bargaining on Sunday.“We’ll be working hard to get a deal, but it’s really up to the Employer at this point,” said Ward. “They’ve been dragging their feet for 16 months. Now is the time to get a deal.”CUPE 3565 continues to invite the public to encourage Ajax Mayor and Town Council to support a fair negotiated settlement for the library workers. Send the Town a message here: https://cupe.on.ca/supportajaxpl/. Complete resultsFull-time employees:NO: 19 (100.0%)YES: 0 (0.0%)Turnout: 19/19 (100.0%)Part-time employees:NO: 49 (96.1%)YES: 2 (3.9%)Turnout: 51/54 (94.4%)Overall turnout: 70/73 (95.9%)CUPE 3565 represents 73 full-time and part-time library workers at the Ajax Public Library in the Town of Ajax, Ontario. Visit CUPE.ca and follow Local 3565 on social media:View source version on businesswire.com: For more information, please contact:James ClarkCUPE Communications Representative289-678-4894jclark@cupe.caThis advertisement has not loaded yet.Notice for the Postmedia NetworkThis website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. 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