Saskatoon Public Library workers initiate second day-long strike [Video]

Saskatoon’s city library workers are heading back to the picket lines for a second one-day strike on Tuesday.

CUPE 2669, which represents city library staff, initiated the first strike on Nov. 12, saying its members want a deal that better addresses their workplace safety concerns and the rising cost of living. They’ve been without a collective agreement since June 2023.

In a news release on Monday, the Saskatoon Public Library (SPL) said it sent an updated offer to staff two days before the strike, and it has not yet received a response.

“We are disappointed that CUPE 2669 has not sent a response to our latest offer and has instead chosen to take job action that will lead to the closure of libraries, despite having an open offer on the table,” said CEO Carol Shepstone.

According to SPL, the new offer contained all the proposals from the rejected deal, plus additional paid sick time for the 75 circulation associates — formerly known as …