Talks to end the protracted labour dispute between the Essex County Library Board and its striking library workers resume Friday with a provincial mediator.
The board called for a return to the table; the first time the two sides will meet since mid-September.
CUPE Local 2974 spokesperson, Lori Wightman says although she's cautiously optimistic the talks will produce a deal, she has some misgivings.
"We're a little discouraged by comments made by board member Andrew Dowie," she says. "He commented that the board was planning on not moving off their position, at all."
The strike is into its 154th day, but Wightman says her members remain determined.
"They are also very discouraged by the elected officials in this county that despite what the public is clamouring for -- sticking to their original position," she says.
If the talks fail to produce a tentative agreement, Wightman says there is still the option of calling in an arbitrator, "but only if both sides agree. I don't know that they would agree to that."
The sticking point in the battle remains the allocation of sick time and disability benefits. The county wants to move all of its bargaining units to the same third-party insurer. The union has argued there has never been an issue with sick time and the county is making an issue where one doesn't exist.
