Bradford Library workers strike ends, case goes to arbitration
After ten weeks of strike action, library workers in Bradford West Gwillimbury will be returning to work.
Issuing its decision on Friday, the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) has approved the request of the library to send the ongoing dispute to arbitration.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
"It's unjust that after 71 days of striking to achieve fair wages, Library workers are being forced to return to work without a collective agreement," said Katherine Grzejszczak, president CUPE 905. "Again and again, the mostly female workers' demands for respect, $1.35 and fairness have been ignored by those in power. First by the Library CEO at the bargaining table, then by Mayor Leduc and the majority of Council who upheld the CEO's decisions, and now by the Labour Board."
The arbitration process will appoint a neutral third party to assess the issues between CUPE 905 and the library.
"During the waiting period, employees will return to work, and our Library will reopen for in-person services as soon as possible," said Matthew Corbett, CEO of the Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library.
A hearing date can be scheduled after a neutral third party is selected.
The union added that it is reviewing its "legal recourse" over the decision to end the strike.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories

All 41 workers rescued from collapsed tunnel in India after 17-day ordeal
Rescuers in northern India have successfully removed all 41 workers trapped in a collapsed tunnel under the Himalayas, the climax of a 17-day rescue operation to drill through rock and debris.
Andre Dawson wants the Expos baseball cap taken off his Hall of Fame plaque
Andre Dawson wants to be immortalized in the Baseball Hall of Fame as a Chicago Cub – not a Montreal Expo.
Alberta town to put proposed bylaw banning symbols such as Pride crosswalks, flags to plebiscite
A group in Westlock, Alta., is trying to ban crosswalks painted in rainbow colours and other symbols.
Full parole granted to SUV passenger convicted in Calgary police officer's death
A man convicted of manslaughter for his role in the death of a Calgary police officer almost three years ago has been granted full parole.
Chicago Blackhawks to terminate Corey Perry's contract after finding 'unacceptable' conduct
The Chicago Blackhawks said Corey Perry engaged in unacceptable conduct and took a step Tuesday toward terminating his contract, the latest twist involving the veteran winger who was mysteriously scratched and sent home last week without explanation.
With deadline looming, diplomats seek to extend Gaza truce; more hostages, prisoners are freed
Hamas and Israel released more hostages and prisoners under terms of a fragile cease-fire that held for a fifth day Tuesday as international mediators in Qatar worked to extend the truce and the United States urged Israel to better protect Palestinian civilians in Gaza if it follows through on its promise to resume the war.
Poilievre calling on 'unelected' Senate to 'immediately' pass farm fuels carbon tax bill
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is pushing for MPs to call on senators to 'immediately' pass a bill that would exempt certain farm fuels from the carbon price.
French police arrest yoga guru accused of exploiting female followers
French authorities arrested the leader of a multinational tantric yoga organization Tuesday on suspicion of indoctrinating female followers for sexual exploitation.
Short-term rental tax changes left out of Freeland's bill to implement fiscal update measures, here's why
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland will be tabling an omnibus bill to pass measures she promised in last week's fall economic statement. Missing from the package are the government's promised plans to crack down on short-term rentals, while the Liberal promise to double the carbon tax rural rebate top-up, is included.