Speaking on the The Evan Bray Show, CUPE Saskatchewan president Kent Peterson sounded the alarm about increasingly dangerous working conditions in libraries across the province.
Workers are facing violence and safety risks as broader social issues go unaddressed. Incidents in libraries are becoming more frequent and more severe, leaving staff worried about their safety at work.
“It’s not good, and it’s getting worse,” said Peterson. “Across the province there has been an increase in homelessness, poverty, addictions, and mental health challenges. Without enough community supports people show up at libraries as a place of last resort.”
Library workers are dealing with situations that go far beyond the duties they were hired to perform. While some incidents involve verbal harassment or threats, others are far more serious. Workers have reported being spit on, threatened, and feeling unsafe while on the job. In more extreme situations, staff have had to respond to overdoses, violent outbursts, and even weapons incidents.
“Library workers are not counsellors or social workers or police officers. They want to go to work and feel safe,” said Peterson. “Our members want patrons to feel safe too. Libraries are vibrant community hubs, and workers want to be able to provide those services without facing dangerous situations,” he added.
CUPE Saskatchewan is calling on the provincial government to address the issue through targeted investments in both libraries and community supports.
Increased funding for municipal and regional libraries is required so they can implement safety measures tailored to their needs. That could include hiring additional staff so workers are not working alone, bringing in trained security personnel, and providing de-escalation training or emergency alert systems.
At the same time, the province must address underlying social challenges.
“We’re looking for investments upstream,” said Peterson. “We need shelters, housing options, detox spaces, and mental health and addictions services in our communities,” he added.
CUPE Saskatchewan says the upcoming provincial budget presents an opportunity for the government to invest in the community services needed to keep both library workers and the public safe.