Local 2905 Hamilton-Wenham Library Professionals
On Tuesday, January 5th, the Wenham Board of Selectman voted unanimously to approve the contract for the twelve library professionals at the Hamilton-Wenham Public Library who are now members of Local 2905.
Last month, the library staff had approved their first union contract which provides wage increases; increased personal, sick, and vacation time; and greater professional development opportunities among a number of other pro-worker provisions. After a card check election in June of 2020, the group quickly formed a negotiating committee and began negotiations with town management from both Hamilton and Wenham.
Kim Claire, Young Adult Librarian and Chapter Chair, on the Select Board vote “all the members are really excited about working under our new union contract. Just going to work knowing that we have the protections, backing, and support provided by our AFSCME contract is a huge relief.” She added “hopefully having our contract will be, pardon the book pun, the start of a new chapter in our relationship with town management.”
When the Hamilton-Wenham Library opened in December 2001, it was the first regional library in the state of Massachusetts; and has grown to be the 4th busiest library in the state for its size. In FY 2019 alone, there were over 230,000 items circulated and nearly 119,000 visits to the library.
Council 93 is constantly organizing traditional and non-traditional workplaces in both the public and private sector throughout Northern New England to give working men and women a stronger voice on the job. Once organized, AFSCME Council 93 staff representatives fight for and secure the best wages, benefits and working conditions for our members.
