Strike at Windsor Public Library averted thanks to preliminary agreement with union

According to the chairman of the library board, a strike by employees at the Windsor Public Library was narrowly avoided because a preliminary agreement was reached with the union.

If no agreement could be reached, the workers were to have started industrial action at midnight on June 30.

Library Committee Chairman Mark McKenzie said CUPE Local 2067.1, which represents library employees, has been in negotiations with the city for “several months.”

“I can tell you there will be absolutely no reduction in the hours of the Windsor Public Library. We will not be cutting weekly or anything else. I think people will be happy,” McKenzie said.

CTV News was unable to reach CUPE Local 2067.01 President Dan Rutherford after the tentative deal was announced.

The main topics of the negotiations included the extension of Sunday opening hours to all ten branches and the addressing of workplace safety issues.

“We believe we have reached a fair and equitable deal not only for the residents of Windsor, but also for the staff of the Windsor Public Library,” added McKenzie.

Out of respect for the negotiating process, McKenzie said he would not disclose further details about the tentative agreement.

The Windsor Public Library board expects to know by Tuesday when a vote on ratification will take place.

“Then we will call an emergency meeting, the Windsor Public Library board will hopefully approve the deal and then it will go to the city council for final approval,” McKenzie said.