School starts in just two days and public library workers in Halifax are now in their second week of a strike.

They have been marching the picket lines at branches all over the city as they fight for fair wages.

This has brought attention to how their roles have changed in recent years, catering to the most vulnerable on a daily basis, many of whom are affected by the strike.

However, according to Vice President of the Nova Scotia Union of Public and Private Employees (NSUPE), Chad Murphy, the impact the labour dispute will have, is only about to get bigger.

As classes go back in session Thursday, programs and spaces that normally cater to students, will no longer be available, while branches remain closed.

Murphy tells our newsroom he expects it will be chaos- and that is putting it nicely.

“We see a lot of younger students being tutored by tutors and we have high school and junior high students using the facilities to come and study after school. Some of our branches have cafeterias or cafes, so they use those spaces to come in and congregate computer usage. We also have reading support programs ….so some of those are facilitated by community partners.”

Murphy adds, one program specifically is very beneficial that has children read to a therapy dog in order to improve their reading skills.

The library also helps people use new devices or answer questions around tech support.

There are also chances for volunteering and after school programming for children.

Keeping momentum

Murphy says union members are motivated to get back to work and ‘spirits are high.’

He says workers usually give 110 per cent to everything they do and that is being reflected in the strike with signs they’ve made and how they engage with the community.

Hundreds are expected at a rally in Grand Parade Tuesday afternoon.

Murphy tells us what makes this rally different is, it’s a chance to figure things out.

“…it’s a real opportunity for the community to come together and show city council and the library board …how much the library is needed in the communities.”

He says the last week has been draining for all of their members and this is an opportunity to focus on something a little more positive.

“They’re certainly giving us something to keep fighting for.”

Talks stalled

NSUPE and library management came to an impasse August 25 and have not returned to the table since.

Murphy says, their conciliator has checked in a couple of times.

“…our communication has taken place through our lawyer, and they’ve just said they we are ready and willing to go back to the table if there is a better offer in place.”

In a statement to our newsroom, Director of Human Resources with Halifax Public Libraries, Cathy Maddigan says, they are committed to this ongoing work.

“Halifax Public Libraries offered employees annual increases of 3.5%, 3%, 3% and 3% each year over 4 years, with an additional $.25/hour raise in each of the second, third and fourth years, and a shift to a higher pay scale for some employees. Over four years, this offer reflects pay increases between 14.73% – 31.94%, with the higher increases specifically addressing lower paid positions.”

“We have been in communication with provincial conciliation services and let them know that we are available to get back to the bargaining table when NSUPE, Local 14 is ready.”