THUNDER BAY — May 27, 2025 – Following a second violent incident in less than a week at the Brodie Street branch of the Thunder Bay Public Library, unionized library workers are calling for immediate safety measures to protect both staff and patrons.
“One of our members was hospitalized after an assault last week, and nothing has changed,” said Margaret Demillo, President of CUPE Local 3120, which represents nearly 60 library workers. “There was another violent incident at the same branch yesterday. Library management has been incredibly negligent when it comes to health and safety—we can’t wait another day.”
Assault Sends Worker to Hospital, Second Incident Follows Days Later
Demillo confirmed that the initial incident led to a worker being hospitalized, and that despite repeated requests for increased protections, no visible changes have been made.
The second incident, occurring just days later, has further escalated tensions between staff and management.
Brodie Branch Sees 183% Spike in Incidents
Between January and March 2025, Thunder Bay’s libraries reported more than 200 safety-related incidents—a 73% increase from the previous quarter. The Brodie branch saw a 183% spike, making it the clear focal point for concern.
The data, according to CUPE, shows a crisis that cannot be ignored.
Union Slams Library Management, City Council for Inaction
“Management knows there is a problem. The city knows there is a problem. Council saw fit to have security at City Hall to protect themselves, but across the street at the library, our members are left on their own,” said Demillo.
Despite months of appeals from library staff, the union says the response from leadership has been inadequate. CUPE is demanding on-site security, clear safety protocols, and de-escalation training for staff at all branches—not just Brodie.
Security Measures Promised, But None in Place Yet
CUPE says, “After the most recent incident on May 26, library management publicly stated that security options were being considered for the Brodie branch. However, no additional safety measures have been implemented to date, and no details have been shared with workers about how or when protection will be put in place”.
CUPE is calling for immediate and transparent action, warning that inaction could jeopardize not only staff morale but also public access to safe and welcoming library spaces.
Library Responds – Work underway!
Thunder Bay Public Library CEO Richard Togman in response states, “The Library takes safety very seriously. We’ve been working on a detailed overhaul of every aspect of the Library to improve public and staff safety. This includes changes to policy and procedures, major renovations to the branches, floor plan and layout changes, extra security staff and improved staff training”.
“We’ve been actively communicating with the union and will be approaching City Council soon to seek funding to support these critical safety improvements. There is no magic wand to make these changes happen overnight and without funding from the City. We need to work with all parties to make improvements as quickly as possible without being reactionary or antagonistic to our partners.”
