Bargaining Session 8.16.22

The NULWU bargaining team, along with representatives from SEIU Local 73, had another bargaining session with management yesterday. We are excited to report that we made progress on several non-economic proposals, coming to tentative agreements (TAs) on the following:


  • Hours of Work/Overtime - in this article, we were able to convince the University to allow time and a half pay for staff who due to an emergency, may be required to work beyond the 40 hour work week at service points. Previously these staff were directed to flex their time instead of being paid for the additional hours of work. This is important for staff at our service points, who may have no choice but to work beyond their scheduled shift in order to maintain library operations and services. 

  • Open Positions - we negotiated that they will be required to give an initial interview to qualified members of the bargaining unit. If the unit member is not hired for the position, they will now have an opportunity to meet with HR to talk about their application.

  • Labor Management - we ensured that non-exempt staff will be paid for their participation in labor management meetings with library administration. Four union members from various work groups will serve on the labor management committee. 

  • Union Rights - we are able to reserve Ver Steeg for union meetings, and the Libraries will help us figure out an alternative space if Ver Steeg is booked.

  • Stewards - we will have multiple stewards to communicate between members and SEIU Local 73, as well as attend grievance hearings and meetings as necessary.


During the session, the University presented a counter proposal for our Layoffs/Furloughs clause, and we look forward to coming up with language that both sides agree with. We are still going back and forth on No Strike No Lockout and how union members can show solidarity with other labor groups on campus if they engage in concerted action. We will repropose an Alternative Work Strategies proposal once we analyze the results of a survey we fielded (if you haven’t filled this out yet, check your email!).


Our next all-union meeting is Tuesday, August 23 at 7 pm (Zoom link in your email, and you can join on a computer or phone). Join us to get updates on our bargaining sessions and ask any questions you have.


Please continue to show your support for our union by wearing buttons and changing Zoom backgrounds to our union logo! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to keep up with the latest updates.

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