Next week marks the fourth week that our Library workers are on strike. I understand and apologize for the impacts this strike and the library closure have caused our community. I am disappointed that a resolution has not yet been reached, and I plea to both parties – return to the bargaining table so that our Library can reopen its doors to the community. Our residents deserve to have their Library back.
I believe that the Library’s bargaining team has brought a fair offer to the table which would provide union employees with an 11 per cent increase over a four year period. The Union has rejected this offer and have publicized their unwillingness to resume with negotiations.
I would also like to express my disappointment toward the several inaccuracies circulating in the public, including recent claims eluding to discriminatory employment practices. I am proud of both organizations of the Town and Library – I am proud of our hardworking employees, from our front line staff, to our maintenance and management teams. I want to make it clear that throughout both organizations, we do not tolerate any form of discrimination and hold our employment practices to a high level of conduct.On behalf of Council, we appreciate your patience during this time and look forward to welcoming you back to the BWG Public Library in the near future.
Sincerely,
Mayor James Leduc
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