Victoria to Lock Out Public Library Staff

The Greater Victoria (B.C.) Public Library board voted February 13 to lock out unionized employees at all nine branches beginning at 5 p.m. February 17. The workers have been in legal strike position over a pay equity dispute since September 4, 2007.

The lockout is in reaction to strike actions by the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 410, which has closed the library for a total of 10 nonconsecutive days, shut down computer terminals, reduced programming, and stopped collecting fines. “They’re not providing the programs they’re paid to provide to the public and we’re still paying them full wages,” said Ron Brunsden, chief negotiator for the library, in the February 13 Victoria Times Colonist. “They’re working at 75% efficiency. No business can carry on like that for very long.”

“I think the Greater Victoria Labour Relations Association is making a big mistake if they think we are not resolved and that we’re not determined,” said CUPE Local 410 President Ed Seedhouse.

Posted on February 15, 2008. Discuss.

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