Negotiation Update and Rumor Control

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Written by Rich Robinson

Saturday, 01 August 2009

Negotiation Update - 7/31/09

In the last week, submitted one proposal to the library, and will submit another later this afternoon. Our first proposal contained all the financial considerations the Library has requested to remain solvent for 2009. It did not request that the library take any steps that would jeopardize the library's fiscal status.

Instead, we asked for some input on the days effected by the furlough program. We also asked the library to set aside money that they said was available for the purpose of safeguarding jobs or easing employee transitions. The library rejected the proposal, and countered with a proposal that they must have know was untenable.

We asked the library to meet with us so they could explain their rationale for rejecting elements of our proposal. The announced that they were "too busy" to meet with us to negotiate, and then suggested that we negotiate over e-mail. Then, during the block of time we wanted to meet, Mr. Kambitch went to Channel 7 and told them that the library would reduce ~~staff~~ hours by 20%. You may have seen this article.

The bottom line is this: we, the union negotiating team, have agreed to every concession the library has requested to remain solvent in 2009. We are not asking for unreasonable concessions, nor are we fighting the library's assessment of necessary cuts. We're asking for a few simple concessions that will help ease the sting of the cuts, and the library is digging in.

We'll keep you updated, but with the library not willing to actually talk, we're not expecting much progress.

Rumor Control

There's a rumor that we've heard through many channels that needs to be addressed. The rumor says that if the levy fails, there will be 80% reductions in staffing and the library will close all but 6 branches. This rumor is just that, a rumor.

That said, every rumor has elements of truth. Here's the truth in this rumor:

The library has looked at many scenarios on what will happen if the levy fails. One of those scenarios involves keeping open only six large branches. Other scenarios involve keeping open many small branches. But the six branch thing is just one possibility in the event the levy fails. It is not THE PLAN.
There are some divisions that may face cuts of 80% if the levy fails. But the overall staffing reductions in will likely be closer to 50% than 80%. It's hard to nail down an exact number, but 80% is very unlikely.

Rumors spread like wildfire in this environment. Many of them are not just inaccurate, but actually harmful. If you hear rumors, feel free to ask us about their veracity. Do so before you spread the rumor. This will help us keep the inaccurate information from spreading so fast.

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