Those of you looking to spend time at your local library this week will have to make a change of plans due to striking library staff as of July 4, 2016.

The workers, members of CUPE Local 1989, went on strike at midnight so there will be no access whatsoever to the physical library services. However, no late fees will be charged during the strike. Online services, such as eBooks & eAudioBooks, eResources, eMagazines and free music will still be available.

The City of Mississauga and CUPE 1989 have been in negotiations for over a year, since June 12, 2015 and unfortunately, as of today, no common ground has been found to move forward on.

According to the Toronto Star, the union says the city is offering an unacceptable 1.5 percent wage increase, after 0.5 percent raises in 2014 and 2015.

There are several outstanding issues, like the lack of job security, hours, and benefits for part-time workers, but at the root of the strike is the compensation aspect: The City of Mississauga offered a 1.5% wage increase going forward after 0.5% increases in 2014 and 2015, while CUPE 1989 says between the cost of living and inflation, an increase of 2.0% is needed, citing Statistics Canada research for obtaining that figure.

The Library will continue to provide timely updates to its customers online at mississauga.ca/library.

Libraries are an incredibly important public service, providing not just books but access to important technologies, skills workshops, and vital community resources. We hope that both sides can find a resolution quickly that satisfies all parties.