Cleveland library workers set strike date
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Illustration: Annelise Capossela/Axios
Cleveland Public Library workers will go on strike Aug. 24 unless they reach a tentative contract agreement with management before then.
Driving the news: SEIU District 1199 delivered a strike notice to library leadership this week after more than eight months of unsuccessful negotiations.
Catch up quick: Workers voted virtually unanimously earlier this month to authorize a strike.
What they're saying: The union says four bargaining sessions since that vote have failed to produce a deal.
- "We do not want a strike — we want a fair contract," said SEIU regional director Vanessa Dalesandro in a statement.
- The workers are fighting for "livable wages, affordable healthcare, retirement security, safe working conditions, and the respect they deserve," per the statement.
- "Library workers deserve respect, they deserve a fair contract and they deserve a Library administration that values the people who keep this library system running every day. Whether we avoid a strike is a decision that ultimately rests with library leadership."
The other side: "Cleveland Public Library remains committed to reaching a fair and sustainable contract with SEIU District 1199," the library told Axios in a statement.
- "The Library has plans in place to maintain essential operations should a strike occur," adding its focus remains on reaching a deal and avoiding service disruptions.
What's next: Three bargaining sessions are scheduled before Aug. 24.