"It's funny that we think of libraries as quiet demure places where we are shushed by dusty, bun-balancing, bespectacled women. The truth is libraries are raucous clubhouses for free speech, controversy and community. Librarians have stood up to the Patriot Act, sat down with noisy toddlers and reached out to illiterate adults. Libraries can never be shushed."--Paula Poundstone
Hamilton-Wenham Library Professionals are the newest Members of Local 2095
On Monday, December 14th, the twelve library professional staff at the Hamilton-Wenham Public Library became the newest members of Council 93 when they unanimously ratified their first union contract.
After a card check election in June of 2020, the group quickly formed a negotiating committee and began meeting with town management from both Hamilton and Wenham to work on their first contract.
Kim Claire, Young Adult Librarian and Chapter Chair; Lorraine Der, Children's Librarian; and Lewis Parsons, Head of Technical Services approached Council 93 about forming a union after seeing the level of service AFSCME provided to members of other town departments in Wenham and Hamilton, not to mention the gains made at the negotiating table.
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.
Now members of Local 2095, the Hamilton-Wenham Library professionals wanted to gain job protection benefits, end repeated threats to staffing levels and benefits, and to recognize the vital contributions part-time staff make to the success of the Hamilton-Wenham Public Library. Working with their new Council 93 staff representative, these issues have been addressed in the first contract providing stability and predictability to the membership.
Claire on why the library professionals formed a union "Pre-COVID we knew our at-will status was dangerous, but when COVID happened it was clear that the town saw us as an easy cut. Our staffing and compensation levels were being threatened. In addition the town employee handbook is over twenty years old and pre-dates the opening of the library. We observed that updating it was not a priority, and if it were to be updated we would most likely not be included in the discussion. With our new contract, we have a say, have better stability and protections for our jobs, and we have peace of mind."
The new three-year contract includes a 4% wage increase in the first year with a wage reopener provision that will allow the members to negotiate cost of living adjustments once the effect COVID-19 has on future budgets is more fully understood. To recognize the contributions of both part-time and long-term employees, part-time staff now have access to personal and sick time and there is increased vacation time for long-term employees. Employer contributions to professional association membership was garnered so that staff can continue to develop skills and experience to better serve the Hamilton-Wenham communities. The contract also includes PEOPLE language and non-member fee for service provisions.
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.
