Cleveland Public Library workers have delayed a strike set for today at noon following last-minute negotiations.
If members don’t approve the newest agreement, the 400 library workers represented by SEIU District 1199 would strike Aug. 27.
The union workers have been negotiating with the library for nearly a year, but the parties could not reach agreement on pay increases, the amount union employees should pay toward their healthcare and workplace drug testing policies.
In July, union members signaled they would strike if they couldn’t reach agreement with the library by noon today. The public library recently announced preparations to dial back access to neighborhood branches while still allowing patrons to request books and pick them up curbside.
The library, which is governed by a board, sent an email to library cardholders last week noting that the state reduced its funding in the last budget cycle by $2.24 million. The email said that it sought to balance its stewardship of its facilities, collections and community programs with support for workers, which included $5.5 million in wage increases.
“We believe our proposal appropriately advances both priorities,” the email stated.
In a news release last week, the union emphasized that the library was offering a 0% wage increase in the third year of the contract. They found the offer unacceptable.
On Friday, union members rejected the last contract offer made by the library before the deadline. The union and CPL returned to the bargaining table. Union members will vote on an updated proposal Aug. 26.
If union members reject it, the strike will be back on.
“Obviously, nobody wants to strike,” Vanessa Dalesandro, the union’s regional director, said last week. “Our members love what they do.” But she said they were ready to walk out if the union and CPL couldn’t reach an agreement. The sentiment hasn’t changed.
If a strike occurs, CPL intends to remain open by offering limited services and hours. Only the first floor of the Main Library downtown would be open to the public, as would the first floor and lower level of the neighboring Louis Stokes Wing.
The 25 neighborhood campuses would provide limited access 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. They would be closed Saturdays and Sundays. Visitors would be able to get Wi-Fi access from branch parking lots. Many online library resources would remain available. To access them and for updates about services available if there is a strike, visit the library’s website at cpl.org
