Statement From BWG Council Regarding Library Strike

In a community update recently published by our Library CEO, the Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library (BWGPL) Board shared that they have applied to the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) to request first collective agreement arbitration.

Although we didn’t expect to see things reach this point, Council supports the Board’s decision to apply for arbitration. We have remained committed to working with the bargaining teams to come to a resolution, but there has been little progress in negotiations and the Union has shown an unwillingness to move from their current position. A neutral third-party arbitrator is a necessary step to resolving outstanding issues and reopening the library to our community.

Council and the BWGPL Board will provide updates to the community as we have a clearer path forward, but at this time, we await a decision from the Ontario Labour Relations Board.