Libraries Are Closed in Mississauga Due to Employees Going on Strike

It would seem negotiations for Mississauga’s library workers haven’t been as quiet and peaceful as the libraries themselves. 

Library union employees are going on strike and City of Mississauga libraries are closed starting today, July 4, according to a recent news release. 

The city has been negotiating with the Mississauga Public Library Board and CUPE Local 1989 to try and work out a deal. However, the city’s offer was rejected by the library union, with workers opting to go on strike instead. 

The issue stems from union members not liking the precarious nature of their work, according to a Mississauga News article. 

The workforce is 56 per cent part-timers who have no benefits and no paid vacations or sick time. They only get about 12 to 16 hours a week (sometimes even less), but the constantly changing work schedule makes it impossible for them from to hold down a second job. 

The negotiations have been happening since June of 2015. The involved parties met to discuss matters a number of times over the past year. 

While libraries are closed for the strike, the library’s online services (such as managing your account and checking out items from the online catalogue) will remain available. All late fees are also being waived.