CLEVELAND, Ohio — One of two Cleveland Public Library unions on Wednesday gave its bargaining leaders the OK to strike, if it comes down to it.

About 400 Cleveland Public Library workers represented by Service Employees International Union District 1199, including librarians, library assistants and custodians, have been without a contract since the beginning of the year. Negotiations have been on-going since November but slowed just before the new year.

Workers say the hang up is security and staffing at the library. The library system says the breakdown at the bargaining table comes down to compensation.

Workers on Wednesday authorized their representatives to issue a strike notice if an agreement cannot be reached. The union can now issue a 10-day notice of its intent to strike.

The union said it would not pull the trigger on the strike until the parties meet one more time, on Jan. 17. Another later date is also on the calendar, if it’s deemed necessary. Spokesman Anthony Caldwell in a statement said workers do not want to strike, but there might not be another choice.

“Union Library workers are asking CPL executives to meet as soon as possible, and for as long as necessary, to reach an agreement that addresses the staffing and security concerns of the patrons and staff. While library staff members do not want to strike, the unwillingness of Library leaders to keep the public and employees safe may give them no other option.”

The library system in a statement said it was aware of the vote.

“Unfortunately, SEIU’s decision to strike would directly impact our community,” the library system said. “Despite this action by SEIU, the Library remains committed to negotiating in good faith at the bargaining table for a strong and sustainable future. We urge SEIU to join us at the bargaining table to work together to avoid disruption of library-rich programs and services for our community.”

The library said if workers went on strike, some branches would temporarily close, and some services would be put on pause. The system said branches would remain open “in strategic areas of the city.”

The library is also in contract negotiations with the union that represents its security officers, Local 860. Though that contract also expired at the end of the year, the library said talks remain on-going and productive.