Mississauga workers’ strike shuts down 18 public libraries

No late fees will be charged during the strike, and online services, such as e-books, will still be available.

Thestar.com
July 4, 2016

A strike has forced the closure of Mississauga’s 18 public libraries.

The library workers - members of CUPE Local 1989 - went on strike at midnight after contract talks with the city collapsed over the weekend.
There’s no indication when the negotiations might resume.

No late fees will be charged during the strike, and online services, such as e-books, will still be available.

The union said the city was offering an unacceptable 1.5 per cent wage increase, after 0.5 per cent raises in 2014 and 2015.

CUPE also said that while most of its members were part-timers, with no benefits, no paid sick time, and no paid vacation, library directors received a 7.3 per cent increase in 2014.

The City of Mississauga issued a statement saying its negotiators were working for a “collective agreement that is fair and competitive to our employees and our taxpayers.”