Negotiations on Day 45 of the Essex County library strike have failed.
The 58 CUPE Local 2974 employees remain on the picket line over the issue of a new sick time policy.
CUPE Local 2974 sub unit chair Lori Wightman says the union came forward with a new proposal but management refused to move on the issue.
“We returned to the bargaining table with a new sick time proposal so we could start a dialogue to end this strike,” said Wightman. “Instead, management showed no movement and stuck to their original sick time position from June 22. The library workers have been on strike since June 25 over a phantom sick time issue that even management admits is not an issue at the libraries."
The Chair of the Essex County Library Board Richard Meloche says they are simply trying to modernize an antiquated sick policy.
“We are extremely disappointed that we were unable to come to a resolution today, ” said Meloche. “We value our employees and want them back to work to serve our communities, but we also need to be mindful of the taxpayer. We are ultimately trying to provide a contract that is fair and reasonable to employees while being prudent with public funds and taking steps to implement a more contemporary sick leave program."
The library board says their current offer includes 8.5 sick days a year, with a cash-out option at the end of the year of the unused time. Claims for sick time in excess of three consecutive work days will be adjudicated and administered by a 3rd party provider, at 75% rate of pay.
There are no future negotiations scheduled.
