AJAX, ON – Ajax library workers achieved a tentative agreement with the Ajax Public Library in the early hours of Monday, September 21, narrowly averting a strike. The deal came after more than 12 hours of bargaining the previous day.
The Employer returned to the bargaining table this weekend after members of CUPE 3565, the union that represents full- and part-time library workers in the Town of Ajax, overwhelmingly rejected a “final offer” by the Employer in a supervised vote earlier in the week.
“Our members demonstrated unprecedented unity and strength in last week’s vote against a two-tier contract,” said Elaine Lievaart, acting President of CUPE 3565. “And it gave us the momentum we needed at the table to get a deal.”
The union will provide details of the agreement to members in advance of a ratification vote, now scheduled for Thursday, September 24.
“We can’t comment on the details of the agreement until we present it to the members,” added Lievaart. “But we will share details publicly following a successful ratification vote.”
In the days leading to Monday’s strike deadline, trade union allies and community members mobilized public support for the workers. On Thursday evening, over 60 library workers and their supporters, along with dozens of library users, attended a solidarity rally at the Library’s Audley Branch.
Hours before the strike deadline, dozens more supporters joined an emergency phone action, urging the Mayor and Ajax Town Council to press the Library Board to negotiate a fair deal.
“This deal only became possible because of the resolve of our members, along with widespread public support,” said Devon Ward, CUPE 3565 spokesperson. “In the final days of bargaining, we saw just how much community members value our work and the services we provide.”
CUPE 3565 represents 73 full-time and part-time library workers at the Ajax Public Library in the Town of Ajax, Ontario. Visit CUPE.ca and follow Local 3565 on social media:
For more information, please contact:
James Clark
CUPE Communications Representative
289-678-4894 (no SMS)
[email protected]
