CUPE 1989 members happy to be back on the job, grateful for community support

MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Aug. 12, 2016) - Members of Local 1989 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Mississauga Library Workers (CUPE 1989) would like to thank the people of Mississauga for their support during their recent strike, and for the warm welcome that they have received upon returning to the job.

"Every person that came through our doors said, 'Welcome back, we missed you,'" said Mary Keating, who works at the Lorne Park branch of the Mississauga Library System. "Of course we told them we missed them too. There were lots of hugs from regulars, and some people even started bringing in treats."

Members of CUPE 1989 were off the job for 18 days in July where they did as much as they could to deliver library services from the picket line. This included distributing free books, and offering free programs like children's story times.

"Celebration Square will look empty and sad without all the pink-wearing ladies and gents," said Liliana Korac, CUPE 1989 member, recalling their time on the picket line. "It wasn't easy, and I am happy that strike is over, and we will go back to do what we love with all our passion."

Rachel Young, who works at the Burnhamthorpe branch, said, "We got lots of 'welcome back' greetings and warm feelings when we reopened. We received two lovely pictures from little kids welcoming us back as only little kids can. Proof that we make a difference. We matter to people!"

With the libraries back up and running the pages, librarians, library assistants, couriers, and cataloguers of CUPE 1989 have shifted their focus back to delivering quality programming and services to the people of Mississauga. But now they do so with an even stronger connection to the community that supported them through the strike.

"The members of CUPE 1989 thank all our customers who were so supportive during the strike-everyone who wrote letters or made phone calls on our behalf, brought us water, honked as they drove by, stopped to wish us good luck. You made a difference!," said CUPE 1989 President Laura Kaminker. "We're very happy to be back at work, providing the quality library services that we are so proud of."