Essex County Library workers held a rally in McGregor on day 41 of the CUPE 2974 strike.
They started in front of the McGregor Library Branch where CUPE National President Mark Hancock encouraged workers to stay strong when they are back at the bargaining table on Monday.
'We don't want to be out here, we want to be serving the people in this county and in these communities. But damn it, we will stand up for our rights and we will stand up for our collective agreement," says Hancock.
After speeches, the workers made their way down the street where the Town of Essex was celebrating the grand opening of a new parkette.
Local 2974 President Lori Wrightman says they wanted to send a message to Essex Deputy Mayor Richard Meloche who is also on the library board chair. The workers stood respectfully during the ceremony as Meloche spoke about the importance of public spaces to the community.
Following the ceremony Meloche said he is optimistic about reaching a deal.
"I'm hoping there is a place that we can go to that everyone can come to some kind of agreement," says Meloche.
