Bargaining Blog 8/13/26

We had another bargaining session with management on Thursday, August 13. Our side presented first, offering a comprehensive packet of responses to their proposals and counterproposals. We came to tentative agreements on proposals related to holidays worked, bereavement leave, and family neonatal intensive care leave. We withdrew three of our language proposals related to defining emergencies, specifying positions within the bargaining unit, and the number of stewards able to attend grievance arbitrations; movement on these proposals has stalled and we think it’s important to focus our efforts on other proposals.   

We then presented counterproposals on professional development, job classification, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and compensation, including cost of living adjustment (COLA) and caps on insurance premiums. Management asked a few clarifying questions during the presentations, and then we broke into caucus. We spent time during the caucus working on counterproposals related to promotion, which we will present at the next session.

Four and half hours later, at 3:49 pm, management returned and presented their responses to our proposals. They once again rejected our proposals on cost of living and insurance premiums, and offered counterproposals on compensation, professional development, parental leave, and AI. This was the first time they did not reject our AI proposal outright; their counterproposal does not address all of our concerns, but it does indicate an openness to continued conversation on this topic. 

Their counterproposal on professional development also moved towards us in terms of available funding and communication about the approval process, but they continue to reject our requests for staff research leave. This is disappointing, since this is an important issue to some of our membership. There was some back and forth across the table about this issue, with our side trying to get clarity on their position and communicate why we see this as an important request.

In their compensation counterproposal, they were willing to move a little closer to us on the raises for longevity pay for 25 and 30 years of service. However, they continue to propose paltry annual raises, beginning with a proposed salary increase of 0% for the upcoming year. They continue to push for a longer contract, this time proposing a 4-year contract. 

Many thanks to the union members who were able to join the bargaining session over their lunch break. In addition to bargaining committee members, four more library workers were in attendance, and that show of solidarity is important and much appreciated! 

The next two bargaining sessions will be on Tuesday 8/25 and Thursday 8/27 from 9am-4pm at 1800 Sherman, Room 4-430. These sessions are critical. You will be hearing from us with requests to provide testimonials for issues we disagree on. Please add these dates to your calendar and stop by on your lunch break or use paid time off to show your support. We especially encourage library workers who are able to come at the beginning of the session to do so, since that is usually when one side is presenting proposals. Putting in a personal appearance to show support for your union demonstrates your commitment to achieving a contract that works for us all.

Show support for your union by wearing buttons and changing Zoom backgrounds to the NULWU logo! Follow us on Facebook or Instagram to keep up with the latest updates. Reach out to us with questions or ideas through social media, email, or by contacting a bargaining committee member.

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