Toronto Public Library Workers Union
Library Workers Union Speaks Out Against TPL Decision
Local 4948 President Maureen O'Reilly as quoted by the CBC:
"The president of the Toronto Public Library Workers Union, Maureen O'Reilly, considers Bowles's decision an insult to the public. "They failed their regular patrons," she said. As a librarian herself she says she understands the principles of intellectual freedoms but, "In situations like this we need to look back at how it affects our community of users."
"O'Reilly said having a memorial is fine, but some attendees' past and current views could have been controversial enough to legally deny the event from happening at the application process. The organizers have a very long and public record of their activities," she said. "And in the policy, they have to be respective of the principles and culture of a Toronto public library."
Further Reading:
History’s lessons on dealing with Canada’s neo-Nazi groups, by Christine Sismondo, McLeans, July 24, 2017
Public Libraries No Longer a Safe Haven from Hatred by Bernie Farber, Toronto Sun, July 15, 2017
Forgotten History by Rachel Browne, Vice, July 14, 2017
Toronto Public Library's Tolerance of Intolerance by by Elisa Hategan, Canadian Jewish News, July 14, 2017
Outrage Over Group's Use of Toronto Library Threatens Free Speech by Marcus Gee, The Globe, July 13, 2017
Toronto Library Reviewing Policies After Controversial Event Sparks Outrage by The Canadian Press, Global News, July 13, 2017
Don't Blame the Library For Hate Gathering by LIz Braun, Toronto Sun, July 13, 2017
Far-right extremists converge at memorial for Toronto lawyer by Joseph Brean, National Post July 12, 2017
Toronto Public Library Refusing to Cancel Planned Neo-Nazi Gathering by Evan Balgord, The Torontoist, July 12, 2017
Toronto Library Allows Neo-Nazi Memorial for Barbara Kulaszka to Go Ahead by Sima Shakeri, The Huffington Post, July 12, 2017
Room Booking Event at Richview Library, Media Relations, Toronto Public Library, July 12, 2017
Memorial for lawyer who represented holocaust deniers creates controversy for Toronto Public Library, by Alexandra Sienkiewicz, CBC, July 12, 2017
Toronto library refuses to cancel controversial memorial despite requests from mayor, councillors by Jessica Patton, Global News, July 12, 2017
Memorial goes ahead at Toronto library for lawyer who represented far-right extremists by Ainslie Cruickshank, Toronto Star, July 12, 2017
Toronto library defends allowing controversial memorial service to go ahead by Alexandra Sienkiewicz, CBC / Metro Morning, July 12, 2017
Greater Enforcment of Hate Speech Laws Needed in Canada by Reid Rusonik, Toronto Star, February 1, 2017
Public Libraries Grapple With Hate Incidents by Lisa Peet, Library Journal, December 23, 2016
Libraries Become Unexpected Sites of Hate Crimes by Christopher Mele, The New York Times, December 8, 2016
Racism and Libraries in Canada by the Canadian Anti-racism Education and Research Society - CAERS
Happy Pride from the Toronto Public Library Workers!
June 20 Day of Action to Make it Fair
June 20. Day of Action! Library warriors: Get your phones ready and join the social media campaign to #MakeitFair! Visit www.makeitfair.ca/dayofaction to see how you can participate. #MakeitFair #15andFairness #UnionSolidarity #ONPoli #DecentWork
Congratulations to Our Toronto Zoo Workers!
A month-long strike at Canada's largest zoo is one step closer to ending today after members of Local 1600 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE 1600) voted to ratify a four-year collective agreement."While we are looking forward to returning to work and to looking after the animals we so deeply care about, our employer should be under no illusions that this was an easy decision for us to collectively take. This was a month of struggle, for the right reasons, and I am incredibly proud of what our members have achieved," said Christine McKenzie, President of CUPE 1600.
"Our members understood that their bargaining committee negotiated the best possible agreement on their behalf. The strike may be over, but our commitment to advocating for good jobs and the animals we care for will never end," she added.
Members began strike action on May 11 to protect good jobs, quality animal care and the world-leading research, education and conservation efforts that make the Toronto Zoo a 21st-century zoological facility.
McKenzie said the union "fully intends to hold the Zoo to their commitments and to hold them to account if they fail to live up to their promises."
Following today's ratification vote, the tentative agreement awaits ratification by the Toronto Zoo Board of Management, which is expected to take place Monday. Once ratified by both parties, the Zoo is expected to reopen this week.
CUPE 1600 represents more than 400 zookeepers, horticulturalists, trades people, administrative and public relations staff, concession and ride operators at Canada's largest zoo.
Library Workers Support the Toronto Zoo Workers
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As the Toronto Zoo is owned by the City of Toronto, we all have a stake in our Toronto Zoo. If good jobs that support a world-leading zoo and support communities are important to you, tell the Toronto Zoo Board of Management to negotiate a fair contract that respects good, secure jobs that support quality animal care, research, education and conservation, as well as our community.
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Rally to Support the Toronto Zoo Workers
The Toronto Public Library Workers will be attending a Solidarity BBQ and Rally organized by CUPE Ontario President Fred Hahn and Secretary Treasurer Candace Rennick this Thursday for CUPE 1600 members at the Toronto Zoo.
There will be hot dogs, hamburgers and vegetarian options, music, sound, and solidarity with our striking CUPE 1600 sisters and brothers.
Nearly 400 members of CUPE 1600 began strike action against the Toronto Zoo last week to defend good jobs that support communities as well as the research, education and conservation programs that make the Zoo a world-leading institution.
We’ll be calling on the Zoo’s Board of Management and Toronto City Councillors to negotiate a fair contract that protects good jobs that support communities and quality animal care for a zoo everyone can be proud to call Our Toronto Zoo.
Meet at the main entrance of the Toronto Zoo on Thursday at 11am
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