A day before heading back to the bargaining table Essex County library workers held a rally in Tecumseh.
CUPE Local 2974 representing 58 workers across 14 library branches wants to make sure management knows they won't back down. They say the biggest issue still on the table is sick time and it's a non-issue because management admits library workers don't abuse their time.
Sub-unit Chair Lori Wightman says they've made a number of concessions and management hasn't budged so the ball is in their court.
"They have to come with some movement. It can't be just us because that's not negotiating that's just them dictating and us falling in line and that's not going to happen," says Wightman.
President of CUPE Ontario Fred Hahn says he believes management didn't think the library workers would stand up for themselves and that's why this continues to be an issue.
"This employer assumed that if they began with these workers they would take this concession and that would set a precedent for other workers. But in fact, they have said, no," says Hahn.
Library workers have been on strike since June 25, making today the 20th day of the strike.
The provincial mediator called both sides back to the table for talks tomorrow.
