There is a full day strike today by Saskatoon public library workers. CUPE 2669 issued strike notice to the Saskatoon Public Library (SPL) last week.

All libraries will be closed Tuesday and will reopen on Wednesday. Today union members will be picketing at the Frances Morrison Central Library.

CUPE says ongoing job action could take many forms, and they are not required to inform the Saskatoon Public Library of the specific nature of the job action.

Consequently, there may not be advance notice for patrons if library services are disrupted so they advise those planning to use a library branch in Saskatoon to check the status of services.

The Saskatoon Public Library says it is disappointed that CUPE 2669 followed through on strike action after issuing strike notice last week.

The SPL says there was a constructive day of negotiations last Thursday and that an offer was presented over the weekend which the employer says, “directly addresses the union’s concerns.”

In an emailed statement Carol Shepstone, SPL’s Director of Libraries & CEO. says, “SPL has been negotiating in good faith with CUPE 2669 since January 2023. At no time has SPL walked away from negotiations or refused to meet with the union, and any suggestions to the contrary are incorrect. SPL remains committed to the collective bargaining process.”