Library staff in the county want to get back to the bargaining table, but warn management with the Essex County Library system better come ready to move on its position or the strike will continue.
Lori Wightman with the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 2974 says a rally held this morning shows the membership is strong and fighting back against management's effort to make changes to sick time.
"We feel kind of like they're targeting us because they thought we'd be an easy target because they want to push these provisions for other unions," says Wightman.
Lori Wightman of CUPE Local 2974. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
She says librarians want to get back to work.
"We've put forth proposals, we've put forth movement," says Wightman. "I know they say they're willing to come back to the table, but unless they're willing to move on their position it's really pointless."
Union locals from the surrounding area including London and even a representative from Quebec joined in the rally at the Essex Civic Centre with about a hundred people attending.
Essex MPP Taras Natyshak showed his support for the striking library workers.
"When librarians are the loudest one in the room there's a problem," says Natyshak to applause from the picketers. "Don't be bashful. Don't be quiet. It's time for you to certainly be loud and be clear."
Steve Holland with CUPE Local 101 from London came with words of support and urged the members to stick together.
"We were in this exact same situation last summer. We were on strike for two months. It's hard, it's difficult, but you have a huge resource system. CUPE is not small. We all are here in support of you," says Holland.
The strike is into its 13th day.
