Saskatoon public library staff approve new contract with wage hikes, safety improvements
Workers were without a contract for almost 2 years
Saskatoon public library staff have signed off on a new collective agreement that includes wage increases and improvements to employee safety policies.
About 80 per cent of members voted to approve the tentative agreement, according to a CUPE 2669 news release on Tuesday. The union represents the 270 library workers at nine branches in the city.
The contract will cover four years ending in 2027. Workers have been without a contract for almost two years and earlier this year members gave the union approval to take job action. Last month, library branches closed when workers walked off the job for a day.
The new contract includes "significant wage increases" and improved sick leave for circulation associates.
"This new agreement is a step in the right direction to make libraries safe and welcoming environments for staff and members of the public," said Paige Yellowlees, communications co-ordinator for CUPE 2669.
CUPE says the contract also addresses health and safety of employees, a top issue for workers who say they are experiencing more potentially violent situations with the public. The deal adds protections for employees working alone, and the two sides agreed to establish a joint safety advisory committee.
