Ajax library workers reject two-tier contract: ‘We need a fair deal for everyone’

AJAX, ON — Library workers in the Town of Ajax, Ontario have massively rejected a two-tier contract in a “final offer” vote requested by their Employer. Full-time employees voted 100 per cent to reject the offer, while part-time employees voted 96.1 per cent. Voter turnout was nearly 96 per cent.

“This is an overwhelming rejection by our members of the Library’s attempt to create unequal and unfair working conditions in the workplace,” said Elaine Lievaart, acting President of CUPE 3565, the union that represents library workers at the Ajax Public Library. “Management tried to divide us against each other, but this vote shows we’re more united than ever.”

The Ontario Labour Relations Board conducted the vote from September 17 to 18, which took place days before a strike deadline of Monday, September 21. The union urged the Employer to focus on bargaining instead of trying to circumvent the bargaining process.

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“A vote this strong should tell the Employer loud and clear: Get back to the bargaining table and negotiate a fair deal,” said Devon Ward, CUPE 3565 spokesperson. “The union is prepared to bargain all weekend in order to avert a strike on Monday. We hope the Employer is, too.”

On Thursday evening, about 60 library workers and their supporters held an info picket & solidarity rally at the Audley Branch of the Ajax Public Library. Dozens of library users stopped by to express their support for the workers ( https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61594195512873&sk=photos ), with many pledging to visit picket lines in the event of a strike.

Supporters included municipal workers from Ajax and the surrounding region; library workers from the City of Toronto; and many local high school students, parents, and seniors.

“We are so grateful for the support that community members showed us last night,” said Lievaart. “It is really heartening to know that people deeply value the work we do and the service we provide, and that they agree we should all be treated fairly.”

The union has confirmed that the Library has agreed to at least one day of bargaining on Sunday.

“We’ll be working hard to get a deal, but it’s really up to the Employer at this point,” said Ward. “They’ve been dragging their feet for 16 months. Now is the time to get a deal.”

CUPE 3565 continues to invite the public to encourage Ajax Mayor and Town Council to support a fair negotiated settlement for the library workers. Send the Town a message here: https://cupe.on.ca/supportajaxpl/ .

Complete results Full-time employees: NO: 19 (100.0%) YES: 0 (0.0%) Turnout: 19/19 (100.0%) Part-time employees: NO: 49 (96.1%) YES: 2 (3.9%) Turnout: 51/54 (94.4%) Overall turnout: 70/73 (95.9%)

CUPE 3565 represents 73 full-time and part-time library workers at the Ajax Public Library in the Town of Ajax, Ontario. Visit CUPE.ca and follow Local 3565 on social media:

For more information, please contact: James Clark CUPE Communications Representative 289-678-4894 [email protected]