At Wednesday's meeting of the Library Board, I read the following statement. I messed up my reading of one paragraph, so this isn't exactly what the board heard, but it's close.
Last month, I came before you to let you know that we were looking forward to building a new, stronger, mutually respecting relationship between labor and management. I am here today to update you on labor's perception of this progress.
While we've made some gains in building the new relationship, it has not all been positive. For instance, in some formal disciplines, management could not tell us the time, date, or place where the alleged transgression occurred. By working with us, Ms. Chibis agreed to identify times, dates, and locations for future disciplinary events. But then the library flatly refused to put such an agreement into the written MOU.
Additionally, the library has refused to withhold fees from our non-voting members, even though we provided the members' written authorization to provide funding for their representation.
Though these issues show that some of the confrontational atmosphere remains, there has also been some progress. Ms. Chibis and Mr. Kambitsch have been exceedingly cooperative as we've worked to schedule the contract ratification vote.
Furthermore, in a very exciting development, Mr. Kambitsch and I are setting up communication channels that will allow us to keep union members up to date on library issues in the federal, state, and county governments. It is our hope to be able to have the union and the library work together to advocate effectively for our collective benefit.
Large ships turn slowly, and we recognize that in the past our courses have often been diverging. We appreciate the gradual progress toward a new, respectful relationship. We will continue moving toward this new way, and we look forward to the possibilities.
Thank you for your time.
The board offered thanks for my comment, and proceeded with its business.
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