Q: Why is the Library Division Executive recommending a new library workers union for TPL workers?
A: The trust and mutual respect that was the basis for library workers joining Local 416 has broken down. Local 416 is no longer a united union.
Q: We are getting ready to start negotiations. Isn’t this a bad time to create a new local union?
A: It would be far worse to go into bargaining with the current situation unresolved, because we are not united and this will be seen as weakness and could be exploited by the employer.
Q: Does this mean we will be leaving CUPE?
A: Absolutely not. The right to form our own local union is a fundamental right contained in the CUPE Constitution. CUPE National is fully aware of our situation.
Q: Will there be a vote? When? How can I be sure that I will get to vote?
A: Yes, there will be a vote supervised by CUPE. We will hold the vote as soon as possible. Notice will be sent to members and there will be several dates to vote at different locations.
Q: Who will be voting, just library workers or all Local 416 members?
A: Only library workers will be voting, because we have a separate bargaining unit and the Library Board is a separate employer. All Local 416 library workers are entitled to vote.
Q: Will this affect negotiations? What will happen to our contract if we form a separate local?
A: There will be no change. Our contract is with the Library Board, and we will continue to negotiate with the Library Board as we always have.
Q: Won’t we be losing bargaining power if we are on our own without the City workers?
A: We will lose this advantage, but the disadvantages of conducting negotiations with a deeply divided union and growing anti-library sentiment would be far worse. For us to succeed at the bargaining table, we have to be united.
Q: Can’t our current Local 416 leaders just get along, at least until negotiations are over?
A: Within the new Local 416 leadership, trust and respect for us as library workers is no longer there. There has been no attempt by the new Local 416 leadership to create an environment where we can discuss our legitimate and long-standing concerns as library workers. Instead, there have been very personal and vindictive attempts to discredit the current Library Division and its leaders.
Q: Are there other reasons we are having these problems?
A: Yes. There are major structural problems in Local 416 that disadvantage all members and make it very difficult for library workers to fully participate in the union. In addition, constant disruptions, unfounded charges and unauthorized leaks of internal union matters to the press by some members and officers of Local 416 have made it impossible for us to get these needed structural problems openly discussed and then changed.
Q: When would we be electing the leaders of a new library workers union?
A: The current Library Executive would remain in place as a transition team during negotiations, after which elections would be held under new by-laws as set out in the CUPE Constitution.
Q: How do I get more information about the vote?
A: You can call the Library Division union office at 393-7656 or email the Library Division Executive at torontopubliclibraryworkers@yahoo.ca or read our blog at http://libraryworkersunion.blogspot.com
Q: What if I want to discuss these issues further with you?
A: Again, call us at 393-7656, or email the Library Division Executive at torontopubliclibraryworkers@yahoo.ca, or read our blog at http://libraryworkersunion.blogspot.com
