Saskatoon library workers vote in favour of job action

Article content

An overwhelming vote in favour of job action is a sign that library workers in Saskatoon want their safety concerns addressed, their union president says.

Saskatoon Public Library employees on May 31 and June 1 voted 95 per cent in favour of job action, which could include a full withdrawal of services. According to CUPE 2669, which represents around 270 workers at nine libraries in the city, negotiations have broken down over wages and what the union calls the employer’s “refusal to address serious safety concerns” in the workplace.

Article content

“Library workers serve their communities with pride. But for too long, they’ve been working in dangerous and unsafe workplaces,” CUPE 2669 president Jeff Bergen said Tuesday in a statement.

“The employer is aware of these challenges and the escalation of violence on the job. It’s frustrating that they are refusing to include a single extra security provision in the collective agreement to keep workers and the public safe. Members have had enough, and this vote sends a clear message to the employer: violence is not part of the job.”

The most recent — and publicized — incident took place in April, when intoxicated patrons at the Carlyle King Library were involved in a confrontation during which an employee was struck and a security guard was physically assaulted. As a result, SPL announced reduced operating hours at the downtown Frances Morrison Central Library, Dr. Freda Ahenakew Library at the Station 20 West Centre, Mayfair Library on 33rd Street West and Carlyle King Library at Cosmo Civic Centre.

According to the union on Tuesday, library workers are asking for their collective agreement to include “common-sense measures,” including things such as walkie talkies and security alert bracelets.

Article content

The workers are also seeking wage increases to address cost-of-living challenges, noting an increase in management positions from 19 in 2015 to 45 in 2022 and also what it describes as “the mismanaged new Saskatoon library replacement project.”

Construction on the new downtown library was originally set to get underway last summer, and the building was set to open in 2026. The library cancelled the tender for the work in September 2023 after receiving bids that were “significantly” over budget. Now, construction is planned to begin on the new building, located at 321 Second Ave. N., in October and the building is set to open in the summer of 2027.

CUPE Saskatchewan president Kent Peterson said the employer “had a choice to invest in Saskatoon libraries and the people working in them,” but instead mismanaged new projects and expanded high-level positions.

“Our members shouldn’t have to worry about getting assaulted, threatened, or attacked on the job,” Peterson said.

“The employer needs to bring forward an agreement that takes steps to keep workers and patrons safe in Saskatoon libraries. We won’t settle for anything less.”

Article content