Halifax Library Workers Agree To Temporary Layoff Of Nearly 120 Employees
HALIFAX – Halifax Public Libraries workers have voted to accept a furlough agreement with the city, where 110-120 employees will be affected. According to a union spokesperson, that’s roughly a quarter of the library workforce in the system.
The union vote occurred over two days between May 27-28. But by day one, the motion already surpassed the 50 percent threshold.
“It was a very stressful decision for each and every member. It’s very emotional because people have expressed to me that their job is so important to them,” said NSUPE Local 14 President Sarah Ziolkowska.
With the agreement approved, library employees who make less than the $2,000 a month given by the federal CERB program will be furloughed. These workers aren’t technically laid off, as they can be called back to work at any point. But the furlough agreement with the city is for four months. It could go on longer if the CERB program is extended.
“We have a provision that, if (an employee) can’t qualify (for CERB), we’re going to have that flexibility with management to not furlough those individuals,” said Ziolkowska.
“The sad part is, it shows a quarter of the workforce makes less than $2,000 a month, which I think is pretty depressing.”
In May, it was revealed the economic impact of Covid-19 has left the Halifax Regional Municipality with an $85-million budget shortfall. A staff report recommended slashing the library budget by $ 1-million. No final decision on budget cuts has been made, as the council is expected to release a new budget in June.
According to Ziolkowska , the union felt the furlough was the best available option for employees under tough circumstances.
“It was kind of implied, if we didn’t agree to the furlough, there would be layoffs; or a furlough where we don’t get any say in the terms,” said Ziolkowska .
“With this, we were able to fight for provisions that protect the members.”
Ziolkowska said it isn’t clear how the libraries across the HRM will operate with a severely reduced workforce. Although a new curbside book-pickup program being launched in some branches may help reduce workload.
Huddle Today requested to interview a city spokesperson about the furlough agreement. As of publication, no response was received. We will update the story as new information comes in.