Labour action could soon disrupt service at Toronto public libraries now that the Ontario Ministry of Labour has formally issued a "no board" report.
The report, which was requested by CUPE Local 4948 President Maureen O'Reilly last Friday, puts the union in a legal strike position at midnight on March 18 and the city in a legal lockout position.
The term "no-board" report essentially means that the province recognizes that a conciliation board would not help resolve the labour dispute.
Job action would impact 2,400 library workers working in Toronto.
"The library is continuing to bargain in good faith and is committed to a successful resolution of all issues," a press release from the Toronto Public Library Board reads. "Meetings are scheduled over the next few weeks and we expect negotiations to continue as planned. In the meantime, it is business as usual at the library."
The contract between CUPE Local 4948 and the city expired at midnight on Dec. 31.
Negotiations have been ongoing since then, but little headway has been made, O'Reilly told CP24 last week.
The main sticking points are believed to revolve around job security and the city's desire to have part-time workers complete work typically done by full-time employees.
In January, the city requested a "no-board" report in its negotiations with CUPE Local 416, but a settlement was reached before any labour action was taken.
