The Essex County Library Board and striking library workers represented by CUPE local 2974 do not seem to be close to making a deal.

Essex County council met in a closed-door session to discuss the ongoing strike at its meeting Wednesday. The latest round of talks broke off last week and new negotiations have yet to be scheduled.

"It's basically a stalemate," said Richard Meloche, library board chairman. "It's frustrating, so I think it's good we're going to take a little bit of time just to go back to our respective units and figure out what direction to go in next to try and get a settlement."

"We all want our libraries open, so the sooner we can make that happen, the better," Meloche said.

Dozens of CUPE members attended Wednesday's council meeting, holding signs voicing their displeasure with Essex County council and the library board.

Library workers went on strike June 25. All 14 branches of the Essex County Library have been closed since the strike began.