Canadian Union of Public Employees upset Calgary Public Library Board won’t allow employees access to branch jobs

The Calgary Public Library is in the preliminary planning stages for a new central library that will replace the outdated current central library. The new central library will act as the hub, heart, and pillar of support for the 16 branches, and future community locations. The new central library will be a civic landmark, an outstanding example of sustainable public architecture, and source of community pride in a growing city. The new central library will be a valued community asset, helping make Calgary and its downtown a special place where people want to be and do business.

The library board is refusing to include a letter of intent promising layoff protection for the duration of the central library closure.

The union representing 600 mostly female Library Board employees says construction of a new downtown library will result in layoffs.

Rhena Oake, President of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 1169, says the board is treating full-time and part-time employees differently.

The library is raising funds for a new building to replace the ageing structure at 616 MacLeod Trail SE. During construction, the library will pare down its downtown operations. All full-time staff will be sent out to branch locations but part-time employees, will not be given the same consideration.

“Some of these employees have been with the Library Board for years,” said Oake. “It amazes me that the board would cast these people aside after they have put so much into our libraries.”