Public library workers in Halifax are on strike Monday after conciliation talks broke down over the weekend.
A Sunday evening news release from Halifax Public Libraries says the library system and the Nova Scotia Union of Public and Private Employees (NSUPE) Local 14 were unable to reach a new collective agreement.
The two sides have been exchanging proposals since Oct. 2023.
“We hear staff concerns about rising costs of living, and believe our final offer is fair to workers and aligns with other union agreements representing public employees,” said Cathy Maddigan, Halifax Public Libraries’ director of human resources, in the release.
“We are disappointed that we were not able to resolve the outstanding issue at the bargaining table today.”
NSUPE Local 14 president Christina Covert says library workers do not take the decision to strike lightly.
“Our members are dedicated professionals who serve the public with pride and commitment,” she …