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On Oct. 4, we, the Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library unionized workers, represented by CUPE 905, returned to work after 71 days of strike action. There was no resolution to the issues that led to the strike and no ratified collective agreement. As such we would like to clarify some details and thank the community for their support.
Thank you Bradford West Gwillimbury! The support that was shown to us during the library strike was overwhelming. Every day for 71 days, you supported our strike action by honking your horns, bringing us food, signing petitions, speaking to council, attending council meetings, writing letters, putting up lawn signs and extending your kindness in so many ways. We are grateful and humbled by your actions, words and support. You are the reason we love what we do. We cannot thank you enough.
If you were generous enough to put up a lawn sign supporting us, please let it remain a little longer, we still have unresolved issues with our employer and will appreciate your continued assistance.
We returned to work five weeks ago because we were forced to. The library filed for interest arbitration and despite the union’s disagreement, the Ontario Labour Relations Board sided with our employer. We currently have no negotiated contract, and our members will not get to vote on whether to accept their first collective agreement; the final details will be decided by a board of arbitration. This is not what we wanted.
As such, we have returned to work with the same conditions as when we left. These are the same conditions that led us to unionize and to take strike action.
In the coming weeks, we hope that our community will become aware of the true cost to the town and library of pursuing interest arbitration – both financially and in long-term labour relations.
In gratitude,
Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library - CUPE 905.29 workers
