Bargaining Sessions 7, 8 & 9

December 9, 10, and 11

Last week, we met with management for three consecutive days of negotiations. We made significant progress on a number of our proposals. On Health and Safety, we and management are close to agreement that CLP-Downtown and CLP-Allegheny would not be permitted to open without at least one guard present. On Union Business, we are close to an agreement to increase our number of stewards and remove restrictions on where they can serve, and that the filing deadlines will be extended in our Grievance Procedure. This would allow our stewards to provide more effective representation and support to our membership. We are continuing to advocate for changes to aspects of our contract that cover our dress code, discipline, and attendance.

We are also still working to moderate CLP’s proposed changes to our contract and find reasonable compromises that will protect our rights as union employees and ensure the successful operation of the library. For instance, on day one of bargaining, CLP had proposed doubling the probationary period for new employees. We found this concerning because during their probationary period, the union cannot grieve discipline or terminations issued to a new employee. Through last week’s sessions, we and CLP have reached near agreement that the probationary period would still last ninety days, but that it may sometimes be extended for thirty days to give a new employee a chance to receive training and coaching, rather than being terminated. Similarly, we’re continuing to seek compromises on CLP’s proposals on discipline, temporary assignments, and vacancies. See the Bargaining Tracker for all the details. 

As always, note that agreements are subject to change, and nothing is final until you, the membership, vote to ratify our agreement. 

The best place to receive bargaining updates is always our Unit Meetings.  Please join us at the Friends House on Sunday, January 4th.

Please share any thoughts and questions with a CAT member, through Slack, or by emailing unitedlibraryworkers@gmail.com.

In Solidarity, 
The Bargaining Committee of USW 9562**