Talks between CUPE 2974 and the Essex County Library Board broke off on Friday, November 25th, without reaching a settlement. This comes after the Board presented what it called its “final” offer to the striking workers.
CUPE says management continued to stick to its demands to eliminate the sick leave plan and replace it with a third-party insurance scheme with reduced benefits. The union also says its members were willing to forego wage increases and a signing bonus if management would compromise on the sick-leave issue.
A change in the County’s sick time policy has been an ongoing issue during negotiations. The Board says it considers its offer to be a fair agreement.
The strike by 58 full and part-time library staff has been going on since June 25th, 2016.
