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’

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Postmedia has not reviewed the content. by Business Wire 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'Author of the article:Thunder Bay, ON — 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.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 AccountThe 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.”This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.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.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“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/tblwphotosVideos: What are library workers asking for? https://bit.ly/tblwvideosView source version on businesswire.com: This 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. 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