Gains for Saskatoon Library Workers

Although Saskatoon Public Library workers reached an agreement this week and will receive retroactive payments to cover pay increases dating back to 2010, bargaining will resume because the agreement only covers the period ending March 31, 2013.

New Contract for Bridgewater Public Library Workers

The union representing library workers at Bridgewater Public Library has reached an agreement with the town on a new three-year contract. Library employees will receive retroactive raises but will now have to pay more towards their health benefits. Current employees will be able to continue the practice of cashing out unused sick time when leaving their positions, but this practice will not be extended to future employees. The union had been without a contract since 2011.

'No Confidence' in Bloomfield Public Library Board

Leaders of the Communication Workers Association Local 1031 are "fed up" with the library board at Bloomfield Public Library, citing mismanagement of library funds and safety issues in a letter of no confidence.

Possible Closure of Education Library

Protestors at a May Day demonstration at McGill University spoke out against austerity measures that could include closure of the university's education library and other cuts to library services. A Facebook page called Save McGill Education Library from Closure calls on the University to stop the cuts.

$1 Million Pay Equity Settlement

Over 80 current and former Windsor Public Library employees will be sharing in a $1 million pay equity settlement. The payments are retroactive to 2005. Windsor Public Library employees are members of CUPE 2067.

DPLA Exhibit - Bread and Roses Strike

The Digital Public Library of America is currently showcasing an exhibit on the 1912 Lawrence Textile Strike titled Bread and Roses Strike of 1912: Two Months in Lawrence, Massachusetts, that Changed Labor History. The exhibit includes images and film clips of the strike.

Southbridge, MA Union Decertifies

Members of Service Employees International Union Local 888 Southbridge Town/Library Employees voted unanimously earlier this month to decertify. A number of reasons were given for the decertification, including a recent increase in union dues and the employees' belief that the union was not as strong and had fewer grievance rights as compared to other unions. One worker stated “For me, I wasn't sure it was a great fit with a white-collar job.”