Saskatoon Public Library workers have voted overwhelmingly to approve a new collective agreement aimed at enhancing both their wages and workplace safety. After nearly two years without a contract, the workers represented by CUPE 2669 participated in the vote, with approximately 80 percent voicing their support for the agreement.
The union, which encompasses about 270 employees across nine library branches, characterized the contract ratification as significant progress following months of contention during which safety and financial concerns were at the forefront. "This new agreement is a step in the right direction to make libraries safe and welcoming environments for staff and members of the public," stated Paige Yellowlees, communications coordinator for CUPE 2669.
A notable aspect of this agreement is the promise of increased wages for circulation associates, who are tasked with numerous responsibilities including shelving and managing book logistics. This raise aligns their compensation more closely with staff at other institutions, particularly the Regina Public Library, where pay scales have historically been higher.
The contractual terms also include updated sick leave benefits, reflecting the union's push for improved conditions for its members. According to CUPE, many library employees have reported facing challenges related to both their work environment and compensation over the years, leading to heightened tensions and culminating in actions such as strikes.
The last significant events leading up to this contract approval included single-day strikes held last month. These strikes were part of the union's broader strategy to assert their negotiating power, especially after initial tentative agreements had failed to meet worker demands—triggering the need for job action.
Safety, particularly the issue of employees working alone during shifts, has been one of the most pressing topics of concern. According to the union, the new agreement introduces measures to mitigate the risks linked to such situations, helping to safeguard employees from potential violence. This reflects broader findings from surveys, where job-related violence was reported as being alarmingly prevalent among library staff.
The new contract also establishes a joint safety advisory committee, tasked with evaluating and recommending safety practices. This initiative aims to prioritize health and safety protocol adherence and provides workers with the support structure necessary to manage routine challenges faced on the job.
Library Chief Executive Officer, Carol Shepstone, expressed her satisfaction with the new agreement, stating, "This new contract recognizes the invaluable role of SPL's employees and addresses pressing issues surrounding safety and compensation." With this renewed focus on employee welfare, the agreement aims to bolster library efficiency and community engagement.
With the backdrop of rising concerns about employee safety, especially as library workers have reported increasingly violent encounters with patrons, this contractual agreement could mark a turning point not just for workers but also for the public perception of library environments. The strategic approach taken by CUPE 2669 shows how public-sector unions can advocate for safer work conditions and fair compensation.
Following this contract approval, the union and library management are expected to collaborate more closely to implement the new measures effectively, ensuring the library remains not only a center for learning and culture but also a secure space for both patrons and employees.
Overall, the vote signifies positive change and highlights the importance of workers having a voice when it relates to their conditions of employment. The resolution of these issues is expected to pave the way for more harmonious relations within the library system, promoting not only employee satisfaction but also enhanced services for the community.