Vancouver Public Library Hires Lawyer to Negotiate Contract Instead of City Managers

News out of Vancouver is that the Vancouver Public Library has taken city managers out of negotiations with library workers (represented by CUPE) and hired high-priced lawyers.  Says the union:

"The Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 391 says the Vancouver Public Library Board has misplaced its priorities by cutting $500,000 in staff time that provides direct services to the public while hiring veteran lawyer Kim Thorne of Roper Greyell at hundreds of dollars an hour to assist in bargaining."

I am inclined to agree with that.