Photo of the W.F. Chisholm Library Branch courtesy of the Windsor Public Library.Photo of the W.F. Chisholm Library Branch courtesy of the Windsor Public Library.
Windsor

Contract for Windsor Public Library workers ratified, but barely

In a weekend ratification vote, a tentative contract for workers at the Windsor Public Library passed by a margin of just over 51 per cent.

The results of Sunday's vote were released on Monday by a representative of CUPE Local 2067.1. Thirty-one workers voted in favour of the contract, while 29 rejected it.

Financial details of the agreement reached ahead of a June 30 strike deadline aren't public yet. The Windsor Public Library Board hasn't ratified the contract yet.

Safety concerns, opening more branches on Sundays, and funding for the library were the most significant issues in negotiations.

Vice President of CUPE Local 2067.1 Katie Vlanich told WindsorNewsToday.ca the library board will hire more workers, but the two sides are still discussing safety.

At some smaller branches, workers sometimes work for up to two hours alone. The union is concerned because there has been a rise in incidents at libraries across North America.

Library Board Chair Mark McKenzie said the increase in hours on Sundays will start in January.

"Some members weren't happy about it, but it's what the public wanted," he said. "I think there will be a little bit of a learning curve for everybody, but in the long run, it's best for the community."

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