Wapiti library workers want board to make bargaining a priority

[May 6, 2008 11:41 AM]

            Prince Albert: The staff at Wapiti Regional Library, members of CUPE 1788, are holding an information picket at 5 p.m. today to demonstrate their displeasure with the glacial pace of contract negotiations with the board.

 

The information picket coincides with a meeting of the Wapiti Regional Library Executive at 5:30 p.m. today.

 

The CUPE Wapiti Regional Library workers have been without a contract for more than 27 months.  The two sides have not been at the bargaining table since last August.

 

Numerous management changes at the regional library have contributed to the delays, but CUPE members say the board also hasn’t made contract negotiations a priority.

 

CUPE has been pressing the employer for bargaining dates in April or May, but the employer has suggested waiting until June to resume contract negotiations.

 

“We don’t see any reason for further delays,” says CUPE library spokesperson Viki Keays. “Under the Trade Union Act, the employer has a responsibility to bargain. And that’s what we want to see happen.”

 

Keays says the CUPE members at the regional library want the board to instruct its negotiating committee to return to the bargaining table immediately and conclude a fair settlement.

 

“We should not be expected to wait any longer,” she adds.

 

The information picket will be held outside the Wapiti Regional Library,

 

145 – 12 Street East, from 5:00 p.m.- 5:30 p.m.

 

 

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For more information, leave a message for Viki at the CUPE office

 

922-3895 before 4 p.m. After 4 p.m. call: 229-4908