People in Essex County want library doors re-opened

Essex County Library workers are still withouta contract after going on strikenearly four months ago, and people who use the library are growing frustrated.

"It is a very big part of my life," said Michelle Malo, who has been going to the library once a weekfor nearly 40 years.

"It's ridiculous the length of time," she said, "This is part of our community, it's a centre, it's the heart of the community."

All 14 library branches in Essex have been closed since June 25.

• Essex County Library strike's stalemate continues

Malo says she is swapping books with her friends to keep reading throughout the contract dispute.

"I'm running out of books to swap so I want to get back to my library," she said.

But there are 58 library workers on strike, with no agreement in sight.

"We're walking the picket line, we're trying to keep our spirits up," said Lori Wightman, sub-unit chair CUPE Local 2974. "We are propping each other up."

Workers were back at the bargainingtablewith management last month, with the help of a mediator.

The main stumbling block in the negotiations is a demand by the county that would cut sick time in half, saysCUPELocal 2974.

"They've told us and agreed with us that sick time is not an issue at the library, we don't really use our sick time, we certainly don't abuse it," said Malo.

The Essex County Library Board says it's all part of moving to a short-term disability plan that uses a third-party carrier.

"That's something we absolutely have to have, for purposes of good administration," said Richard Meloche, chair of the Essex County Library Board.

"And that's something they aren't willing to look at, at this point and time."

Meloche said negotiations will continue when CUPE agrees to move towards a third-partyshort-term disability plan.