Toronto Public Library Workers to hold town hall on "precarious work" this Sunday

TORONTO, Oct. 24, 2015 /CNW/ - The Toronto Public Library Workers Union, (TPLWU) Local 4948 (CUPE), will be conducting a Community Town Hall this Sunday afternoon to talk about the growing phenomenon of precarious work in Toronto, particularly in the public library.

DATE:              Sunday, October 25, 2015

TIME:               1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

PLACE:            YWCA Downtown Toronto

87 Elm St. (near Dundas West and Bay Street)

CONTACT:       Maureen O'Reilly, 647.206.7457

A documentary on this precarious work at the public library will be shown for the first time, followed by a panel discussion and audience Q&A. Panelists will include: Joe Cressy, Toronto City Councillor, Ward 20, Trinity-Spadina, Youth and Equity Advocate, Dr. Wayne Lewchuk, McMaster University Labour Economist and Maureen O'Reilly, Library Union President. The Israt Ahmed of Social Planning Toronto will be the Moderator.

"People are always surprised to learn that 50 per cent of Toronto Public Library workers are in part-time, precarious jobs, with unstable shifts and other conditions, no benefits or pension and no security," says Maureen O'Reilly.

"Library workers have the highest rate of precarious employment of all City of Toronto workers, by far. The video is very revealing and will make people ask why such highly educated and dedicated people are being so openly exploited. We need to change that."

Special guests at the event include:

Daniel Rotsztain, creator of the Toronto Public Library Adult Colouring Book (Dundurn Press). Advance copies will be on sale.

Noah Ortmann, creator of the unique Toronto Public Library Passport, which will also be on sale.

United Way of Toronto and York Region will be giving copies of the groundbreaking report:
The Precarity Penalty: The Impact of Precarious Employment on Individuals, Households and Communities and What to Do About It.

"Rosie the Riveter" book bags, a popular item at this year's Word on the Street book festival, will be available for a toonie. There will also be free popcorn, buttons and bookmarks for attendees.

SOURCE Toronto Public Library Workers Union

Maureen O'Reilly, 647.206.7457