Halifax Public Library staff are welcoming the public once again after reaching a collective agreement over the weekend. Following a nearly month-long strike, library workers are back on the job, with branches reopening across the city. 

"While most employees are happy to return, many still feel more needs to be done to improve pay and working conditions," a staff representative stated. Around 340 workers went on strike on August 26, demanding better wages and workplace safety, as many earned less than their counterparts in other Canadian cities.

Union president Chris Sinclair Covert acknowledged the agreement's impact but noted, "A notable number of staff members voted against the deal, indicating there's still work to be done." Public support played a crucial role in bringing both sides back to the negotiating table.

With services restored, the community is breathing a sigh of relief. "I was worried about students without a safe space to study," one local entrepreneur shared. "I had deliverables that were delayed because the library was closed. I'm thrilled it's open again." 

Despite the reopening, lingering concerns over pay and workplace safety suggest that discussions are far from over.