Dozens of library workers chanted outside of the Alderney Gate and Halifax Central libraries Monday for the first ever Halifax library workers strike.
About 340 workers are calling for better wages and workplace safety after bargaining talks with the library stalled.
All branches of Halifax Public Libraries are currently closed because of the strike.
Library management offered to increase wages by 3.5 per cent in the first year of their four-year offer. In the second, third and fourth years, they would increase pay by 25 cents an hour and raise overall wages by 3 per cent.
But local union vice president Chad Murphy says that’s not enough.
He says many library workers take on a larger role than they traditionally would, serving vulnerable communities, like people sleeping rough, giving out COVID-19 rapid tests, or creating programs for people in the community. He says their pay should reflect that.
“We just want to be recognized for the the work we do. And you know, it’s kind of difficult to go in there every day with a public facing face and help people while our staff members are experiencing the same issues,” said Murphy.
Union vice president Chad Murphy stands in front of striking library workers on August 26, 2024. (Jacob Moore/Acadia Broadcasting)
The union also hopes for some changes to working conditions. Murphy says there are some specific staff trained with social worker backgrounds, but the majority of frontline library workers don’t have that.
“But we’re expected to deal with some of these issues, and we’re not equipped to do that.”
He says there has also been an uptick of violent incidents at libraries, another of the union’s concerns they want addressed.
Due dates for library loans will be extended and all book drop-offs are closed.
Room bookings are canceled, but online library services remain active.
Many rely on library facilities
While workers picketed outside the Alderney Gate Public Library, some were surprised to find the space closed.
Natasha lives in a nearby encampment, and usually visits the library every day after work.
She says it’s the only place she can use the internet or electricity.
“I’m definitely hoping it gets resolved quickly, that they get their wage increase and whatever else they’re looking for. That way things can go back to more of a normalcy,” Natasha said.
A person draws in chalk on the sidewalk outside of the Alderney Gate Public Library on August 26, 2024. (Jacob Moore/Acadia Broadcasting)
It’s sad to see people picketing, she said, because she knows wages “aren’t the best around here.”
Outside of the Halifax Central Library, picketers lined Spring Garden Road.
People who use the library every day were unhappy to find it closed.
Bruce MacDonald lives in a tent, and this is the only place he can contact his friend through emails.
“I think those workers should get paid $40 an hour. They have to deal with people like me,” he said.
“The library is a necessity for us. I get to wash my hands. I get to wash my face. I get to have a coffee. I get to use the internet,” he said.
Workers and supporters line Spring Garden Road outside the Halifax Central Library on August 26, 2024. (Jacob Moore/Acadia Broadcasting)
Corrie said she has a lot of homeless friends, and they rely on this place for a lot of things.
“I’ve seen this library be a connection, not only for just the community groups or whatever. But I’ve also seen like, families reconnect here and etcetera. It’s a beautiful place, and I completely agree with them protesting, but at the same time, closing it off is also closing off people’s accessibility to things they need day to day,” said Corrie.
Library goers show support
Josiah Keller and Evan Murray, both 12, came to support the workers because they like hanging out at the library.
“I know some of the library workers out here, so I have to help them out, because I just like to go into the library. It’s fun.”
They said they mostly hangout and play basketball video games or play on the computers at the library.
“I feel like the weather’s nice today for it, and today is just a good day to be out here and support the local libraries,” said Murray.
Josiah Keller (left) and Evan Murray showed their support for workers outside the Halifax Central Library by making their own signs on August 26, 2024. (Jacob Moore/Acadia Broadcasting)
Patrick Burgomaster was getting a hot dog nearby when one of the striking workers explained what was happening, and he couldn’t believe the library was closed. This is the most important building in the city, he said.
“The library has saved my life. We have to keep it going, but it only runs because of the people running it,” he said.
“If you’re doing a job that the city needs — which we need this — then you should make plenty of money to buy lots of good groceries and have a nice, warm, dry house you live in that’s not dangerous or falling down. This is common sense.”
With files from Steve MacArthur.
