Essex County's library strike continues after contract negotiations once again broke down on Friday.

Workers have been on strike for three weeks, but were back talking with management with the help of a mediator.

The main stumbling block in the negotiations has been a demand by the county that would cut sick time in half, according to the union.

The union said it was prepared for a lengthy discussion to settle the labour dispute.

"We were ready to bargain all day and all weekend to end this strike but there was no point sitting there bargaining with ourselves when the other side is not budging on the core issue," said Lori Wightman, unit chair for CUPE 2974.

The 58 CUPE workers have have been on strike since June 25.