Final offer made to striking library workers

A final offer has been made by the Essex County Library Board to CUPE 2974, but the union says it won't accept the deal.

CUPE 2974 respresentsworkers at Essex County Libraries, who have been on strike for five months.

"We've literally given them everything," said Lori Wightmanwith CUPE 2974.

The library board said it presented thebest and final offer.

"We believe it is a fair agreement for employees and one that we hope that CUPE will seriously consider, so that we can return library services to our communities," said RichardMeloche, chairman of theEssexCounty Library Board.

"This has been a difficult past few months for all of us," said Meloche. "We want to thank our patrons and our residents for their patience and understanding over the past several weeks."

CUPEsaid the main problem is a third party handling its short-term disability.

"We gave the employer everything they asked for, except for the third party," said Wightman. "They tried to buy us with wage increases and signing bonuses, but it's not now or ever been about the money."