Strike looms at Essex County Library

Essex County Library staff could be off the job this weekend.

Mediated talks between the union and management broke off Wednesday over the issue of sick time.

Essex County Council wants to eliminate the practice of carrying over unused sick time each year.

"It is impossible to negotiate a fair contract when terms are being dictated by the County over a phantom issue," said Lori Wightman, unit chair for CUPE Local 2974, which represents the 58 librarians and other staff.

"Sick-time is not an issue at the libraries, even management acknowledged this," said Wightman, in a news release.

"We don't overuse it. They have a tool in place to address if there is a problem with sick time and even the tool itself doesn't get used very often," she later told CBC News.

A strike could close the 14 library branches across the county.

It could impact summer reading programs, family story times and book clubs.

County Warden Tom Bain says he can't comment on the sick time issue but remains optimistic a strike can be averted.

"I was pleased to hear that there was really progress made on both parts, that they were able to negotiate most of the day today," said Bain. "I think that the library board is still ready to resume negotiations."

He says plans are being made to possibly keep the libraries open, staffed by management.

The workers have been without a contract since March 31. They will walk the picket line at 12:01 a.m. Saturday if an agreement isn't reached.