Half a percentage and benefit improvements are all that stand between a deal being reached between striking library workers and their employer.
The 155 union library workers originally asked for a five per cent wage increase over three years plus improvements to their benefit package, according to Rose Jurkic, president of CUPE 1123.
The Okanagan Regional Library board has offered the union a 4.5 per cent increase over three years, but with a choice for that increase to go towards wages or benefits or split between both.
“We don’t think we’re that far apart,” said Jurkic, calling the union demands a “modest” wage increase, plus improvements to 20-year-old benefit packages.
“We’ve fallen behind and we’re just trying to halt that.”
Library workers took action Thursday after a deal wasn’t reached, with rotating strike action, starting with IT staff.
“We’ve tried to focus on inconveniencing the public as least as possible.”
They also shared their concerns at the opening of the new Vernon library Saturday with an information picket.
“While we have this great new library, the people who have been working at the library have been waiting for a contract since 2010,” said Jurkic.
Meanwhile the Okanagan Regional Library board believes its offer is fair.
“Our primary responsibility is to ensure taxpayer dollars are used in the most efficient and effective way to provide valuable library services in our communities,” the board states in a release.
“The library budget is being stretched on all sides and is always a tough balance. We strive to fund library collections, technology, staffing and branches to keep up with demand and emerging needs while keeping tax levies low for our constituents.”
Given the current economic climate, the ORL board feels it has made a just offer – one that would fairly compensate front-line staff while ensuring there is budget for improvements to technology and services for the benefit of all ORL customers.
“We understand this is a difficult situation for everyone, and thank the public for their patience during any disruptions to library service.”
This is the first time library workers have taken strike action in well over 30 years and Jurkic says if any further action is needed the goal is to limit disruption.
“We don’t want little kids to not be able to come to story time.
“Public libraries are the cornerstone of our communities.”
