The first week of the library worker’s strike is well underway as the Thunder Bay Public Library and its union remain far apart on contract talks.

Workers represented by CUPE Local 8718 have been without a new collective agreement for more than a year and say they are fighting a series of proposed concessions that would reduce benefits they have long relied upon.

According to Lisa Steenerson, a national representative with CUPE, the union is opposing changes that include reductions to sick leave and vacation entitlements, changes to retirement benefits and adjustments to health coverage that could require employees to pay a greater share of costs.

“All those benefits that they received is what keeps your employees working,” Steenerson said. “A rising cost of living means employees require a fair wage increase that is equal with the price of gas, with the price of groceries. Everything has gone up, so you have to increase the wages so our members can survive.”

Beyond compensation and benefits, workers have raised concerns about planned staffing reductions tied to the upcoming renovation of the library’s Waverley branch. Union representatives say they are concerned about the elimination of approximately 20 positions as construction is expected to begin in January.

The library’s management says its proposals are intended to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the organization.

In an open letter released Monday, library CEO Richard Togman argued that the library is committed to reaching a fair agreement while remaining accountable to taxpayers.

“The Thunder Bay Public Library wants to reach a fair agreement with our workers,” Togman wrote. “We want to give our staff fair pay while being responsible with public tax dollars.”

Togman said a full-time librarian’s total compensation package exceeds $100,000 annually when salary, benefits and pension contributions are taken into account. He also highlighted paid leave provisions available under the current collective agreement, including vacation time, sick days and personal days.

The CEO described some existing benefits as outdated and financially difficult to maintain. He pointed to provisions that allow eligible employees to retire as early as age 55 while continuing to receive employer-paid health benefits until age 65.

According to Togman, those benefits were negotiated decades ago and no longer reflect the financial realities facing the library.

He said the library’s latest offer preserves employees’ OMERS pension plan and health benefits while also including wage increases and improvements to disability coverage. However, the proposal would make changes to several benefit provisions that management believes are no longer sustainable.

Togman concluded his letter by arguing that the library is seeking a deal that balances the interests of employees, taxpayers and the long-term financial health of the organization.

With both sides remaining firmly entrenched, there is no indication yet when the labour dispute will be resolved. Negotiations between the library and CUPE are ongoing.