Picketing at libraries across Vancouver Island is expected to escalate this week, after a week of system-wide strike action and two weeks without an offer from the Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) to members of the BC General Employees Union (BCGEU).
On March 9th, members of the BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) working as librarians for the VIRL began picketing at VIRL’s Cowichan branch, seeking a deal that aligned their compensation with other libraries in the province.
In a March 24th release, VIRL announced their most recent offer put forward to the BCGEU was rejected by their bargaining committee.
According to the BCGEU, the proposal fell short of what was needed to align VIRL librarians’ wages with those in comparable library systems or to account with the rising cost of living.
According to a letter to the VIRL board by librarians, research shows that, of all regional library systems in the province, VIRL librarians are the lowest paid and its executives are among the highest paid.
As a result, service-impacting strikes escalated, closing 6 branches and postponing the official grand opening of the newest Sooke branch.
On March 30th, the BCGEU announced all branches were on strike, with both in person and virtual services suspended due to picketing.
Now, after a week of system-wide strike action and two weeks without an offer from the VIRL, the BCGEU has announced further action.
On Thursday, April 7th, the following branches will be behind picket lines:
- Nanaimo Harbourfront
- Nanaimo North
- Nanaimo Wellington
- Comox
- Cowichan Lake
According to the BCGEU, if librarians are not invited back for negotiations by Saturday, April 9th, librarians will be providing a free story time event for families in Cumberand’s Village Square.
The BCGEU has also launched an ad campaign across Vancouver Island including print, web, radio, and billboard ads to spread the word.
“Librarians care deeply about serving their communities, and throughout the challenges of bargaining and job action, their communities have shown up for them,” said BCGEU president Stephanie Smith.
“The librarians’ ‘Stories & Crafts for Little Activists’ event this weekend is both a show of gratitude and a reaffirmation of their solidarity and their commitment to their profession.”
 working as librarians for the VIRL began picketing at VIRL’s Cowichan branch.){kind=link}