After 39 days on the picket line, striking library workers in Essex County are cautiously optimistic a return to work is in the offing.
Their union, CUPE Local 2974 has asked the Essex County Library Board to return to the bargaining table Monday with a mediator.
Union spokesperson Lori Wightman says they've adjusted their position on sick time.
"We put together what we think is a fair proposal to both sides so we thought we would give it a shot and see what they say," says Wightman.
She says they've been back to the table before, but that time, management didn't budge on plans to cut sick time. She hopes they will this time.
The workers walked off the job June 25, to protest what they call a "phantom issue" since they say even management admits sick time isn't being abused.
Recently, paramedics with Essex-Windsor EMS won an arbitrators ruling on a similar dispute.