One step forward, two expensive steps back for NL libraries

ST. JOHN'S, NEWFOUNDLAND--(Marketwired - July 18, 2016) - Representatives of CUPE Newfoundland and Labrador are dismayed to learn that the provincial government has initiated a costly external review of the provinces libraries, in addition to the steep cost of hiring lawyers for bargaining.

These two expenditures by the province amount to approximately $287,000, costs that CUPE NL deems wasteful and ineffective, especially since no assurances have been offered that the people directly affect by the potential library closures, namely library patrons and staff, will be asked to participate in the review process.

"Initially, CUPE NL was encouraged to learn that the province would temporarily suspend library closures until a review is completed. However, the decision by the Ball Government to conduct such an expensive review, and drawn out over an indeterminate amount of time are seen as huge steps backwards," says CUPE NL President Wayne Lucas.

It is unclear if the review the review will be completed in 2016, as previously stated by the Department of Education.

"We insist that CUPE 2329, as representatives of the public libraries and the union representing library workers, have access to Ernst and Young so we can offer up what the residents of these communities have been saying about the proposed closures and the valuable resources they provide to local residents," says CUPE 2329 President Dawn Lahey.

"The government shouldn't be going down the road with yet another costly external review," states Lucas. "The Ball Government is quickly becoming the master of sunk costs."

To date, members of CUPE 2329 have yet to receive an invitation to participate in the review. The union represents 250 employees at the Provincial Information and Library Resources Board in 95 communities.