Striking library workers condemn management’s decision to terminate retirees’ benefits; Library Board targeted seniors day before strike began, union learns

THUNDER BAY, ON – The union representing over 70 workers on strike at the Thunder Bay Public Library (TBPL) has learned that the Library’s Board of Directors terminated employees’ benefits the day before the strike began, while workers were still at the bargaining table.

The union has also confirmed that the Board targeted former library employees, now retired, whose benefits should not be affected by a strike. Only in the face of an angry backlash did management reinstate retirees’ benefits, almost three weeks later.

“We are disgusted that the Library Board thought it was acceptable to go after seniors who have nothing to do with this labour dispute,” said Margaret Demillo, President of CUPE 3120, which represents over 60 workers at the TBPL. “Retirees are not on strike, and their benefits should be off limits.”

Retirees received no warning about losing their coverage and only learned about it while trying to pay for prescriptions and vital medical services.

“Many retirees have a modest income and rely on their benefits to cover health expenses,” added Demillo. “The members we heard from were in a complete panic about the loss of coverage and trying to decide which prescriptions not to fill.”

After a brewing media storm, and widespread online discussion about the cuts, management reinstated the benefits on Monday afternoon. However, the union remains deeply concerned about how and why this happened in the first place.

“This is evidence the Library Board had no intention of trying to negotiate a deal,” said Deryk Fournier, President of CUPE 87, which represents seven librarians at the TBPL. “On the final day of bargaining, the union spent 10 hours at the table trying to avert a strike, but it appears the Board had already decided the outcome.”

Under Ontario labour law, employers and unions have a duty to bargain in good faith and make every reasonable effort to achieve a collective agreement. The Board’s move to cancel benefits the day before a strike deadline may represent a violation of the Ontario Labour Relations Act.

“We condemn these tactics in the strongest possible terms, and we think the public will, too,” added Demillo. “Every single member of the Library Board should be held accountable for this appalling behaviour. Do they really think it’s okay to hold retirees hostage in a dispute with current employees?”

At the time of the strike, the Library Board included two members of City Council: Councillor at Large Trevor Giertuga, who unsuccessfully ran for Mayor in municipal elections on October 26; and Red River Ward Councillor Michael Zussino, who did not seek re-election.

“What kind of leader would agree to this, and who on the Board suggested it in the first place?” asked Fournier. “The minute anyone floated the idea to target seniors, someone should have shot it down. It’s a disgrace that the Board went along with it instead.”

Today marks the 20th day the workers have been on strike. The union has been trying to cover the members’ benefits, a normal practice during a labour dispute, but the Library Board has so far refused to cooperate.

“It would cost the Employer nothing for the union to cover members’ benefits while they’re on strike,” said Demillo. “Their refusal feels vindictive, and will harm members struggling to cover prescriptions and other health expenses.”

Most library branches remain closed in Thunder Bay, although management has tried to keep open the Mary JL Black location, where pickets continue daily. The Employer’s demand for concessions at the bargaining table remains the biggest obstacle to ending the strike.

On Thursday last week, over 120 people joined an indoor rally in support of the workers, their biggest solidarity event since the strike began. The union is also receiving support from library workers across Ontario who are posting solidarity videos online.

The union is continuing to call on the public to contact Library Board members and urge them to get back to the table, withdraw the concessions, and negotiate a fair deal.

“This latest stunt by the Board has really eroded the public’s trust in them, and rightly so,” added Fournier. “If the Board has any hope of salvaging its reputation, it would get back to the table right away and show it understands what it means to bargain in good faith.”

• CUPE 3120 represents the Library Assistants, Library Technicians, Custodian, Maintenance Persons, Cleaners, Network and Software Support Analysts, Community Facilitators, and Finance Staff from the Thunder Bay Public Library.
• CUPE 87-18 represents seven full-time librarians from the Thunder Bay Public Library.
• Strike photos and videos are available here: https://bit.ly/tblwfb