Library Board Chair Richard Meloche is unsure as to what the next steps will be to end the long, on-going strike.
Talks between CUPE Local 2974 and Essex County Library management broke off again after a brief meeting Friday.
Meloche says the board presented the best and final offer, but the union won't accept the deal until the board removes the third-party insurer that would handle its short-term disability.
"Unfortunately I believe they came into the negotiations already committed to the idea that they weren't going to go with a third-party contractor," Meloche says. "I heard Lori Wightman mentioning that they gave us everything that we wanted. The only thing that we were asking was that they go to a third party carrier, that's the only thing we're interested in and we've been upfront with them right from the beginning."
Meloche says he's hoping the workers will see "common sense" and realize they are turning down a fantastic deal.
"We've had a lot of phone calls, but call CUPE as well. Give them a call and let them know you want your doors open. Let them know that this has gone on long enough, and please take a close look at this package because it's a very generous offer. It's the best that we can do, and we've put it on the table and said you guys decide."
He says the third-party insurer will save the corporation a lot of money, and many other local jobs have this in their contract.
Meloche says this has been a difficult time for everybody, and thanks the patrons and residents for their patience.
Saturday, November 26 marks Day 155 of the strike.