Past Strike Actions

In an attempt to avoid a full walkout situation which would have completely shutdown all access to library services, library workers chose to engage in alternative strike actions by selectively withdrawing services. Throughout the period of September 2007 until the union was locked out on February 18, 2008, library workers withdrew a number of public services for an ongoing basis. The GVPL Board then voted to lock out the library workers, in an act to "protect the assets of the library" and are the ones who have caused all of Greater Victoria Public Library's doors to be shut to both the public and its workers.

The following is a list of strike actions that workers participated in while continuing to keep the library doors open so that the public could continue to borrow and return materials from all 9 of the library's branches.

Internet Access.
Public Internet Access workstations at all Library branches were unavailable.
Library Programs.
All Library programs, including educational and training sessions and Children's story times were suspended during the strike.
Fines Collections.
Union staff stopped collecting fines from patrons, other than payments for lost or damaged items.
Langford Branch Planning.
Union staff chose to not take part in or co-operate with planning for the planned new branch in Langford. Staff would not man the new branch if it had been opened during the strike period.
"Out to Lunch".
All branches closed, and no service was provided, during the hour from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. while workers took a consolidated lunch break.
No "Askaway" service.
This provincial program was withdrawn and Victoria library workers stopped participating in it.
"Food for Fines" - cancelled!
Starting November 29 2007, library workers forgave fines over $10.00 to patrons who donated an item to the food bank. Charges for missing or damaged items were not be forgiven. NOTE: This action was suspended for the protection of our members due to management threats, pending a ruling by the Labour Relations Board. On January 30, 2008, it was cancelled due to a ruling by the Labour Relations Board.