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

Trump says he won't testify Monday at his New York fraud trial and sees no need to appear again
Donald Trump said Sunday he has decided against testifying for a second time at his New York civil fraud trial, posting on social media that he "VERY SUCCESSFULLY & CONCLUSIVELY" testified last month and saw no need to appear again.
Buckingham Palace releases this year’s Christmas card
Buckingham Palace released an image of the Christmas card that King Charles III and Queen Camilla will be sending out this year.
Catholic priest in small Nebraska community dies after being attacked in church
A Catholic priest in a small Nebraska community died Sunday after being attacked in a church rectory, authorities said.
Saskatchewan is a safe space to buy 'sustainable oil,' Scott Moe says
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe is working hard to use a global climate change conference as an opportunity to market the province’s non-renewable resources.
'We're trying not to break down': Sask. family desperate to find their loved one last seen in Toronto
The family of 39-year-old Lesley Sparvier has been trying to find and locate her after she left home on foot in Kahkewistahaw First Nation, Sask. on Nov. 28.
LCBO reveals what Ontarians drank the most this year
When it came to what Ontarians brought home during their liquor runs at the LCBO, the company said customers went for options that gave them more bang for their buck.
Al Gore calls UAE hosting COP28 'ridiculous,' slams oil CEO appointed to lead climate talks
Climate advocate and former Vice President Al Gore on Sunday called into question the decision to hold the COP28 climate talks in the United Arab Emirates, a leading producer of the world’s oil.
'No one else has done this on the planet': Guilbeault insists emissions cap delay is due to novelty
Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault says the delay in announcing details of his government’s proposed oil and gas sector emissions cap is due to its uniqueness and to wanting to get it right.
'People are confused': Survey suggests Canadians need education on Charter rights
While one-third of Canadians say they have read the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, many fail to distinguish between its text and that of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, a new survey suggests.