September 2007 Work Session

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Attendance
Linda Hunt, Stephen Moberly, Randy Paul, Fred Risinger, and Janice Stockton.
Absent
Penny Austin, and John Walsh.
Staff
Steve Backs, Ned Baugh, Dana Burton, Phil Eskew, Bonnie Estell, Mary Frasier, Margaret Harter, Chris Jackson, Joe Langfitt, Sara Laughlin, Dory Lynch, Mickey Needham, Martha Odya, Jane Ruddick, Sue Sater, Kathy Starks-Dyer, Bara Swinson, Ginger Ziglar-Thomas, Pam Wasmer, and Michael White.
Others

Tom Bunger, Lawrence Skip Hawkins, Danna Jackson, Neta Leveson, Michelle Martin, Antonia Matthew, Valerie Merriam, Janet Patterson, Edward Vasquez, Jim Whitlatch, and Pamela Wright.

Call to Order

President Steve Moberly called the meeting to order at 7:14pm in Program Room 2B.

Discussion of Resolution by Union Organizing Committee Requesting Collective Bargaining at MCPL

Steve reported that in April, the Board of Trustees received a letter and proposed resolution on Collective Bargaining from 14 staff, who had formed a committee. Steve asked Jim Whitlatch to come to the Board table and go over the letter and resolution.

Jim reviewed the resolution section by section with the Board, and explained that the letter is asking the Board for a collective bargaining unit to work with the Board.

Discussion followed.

AFSCME organizer Michelle Martin responded to comments the Board made and provided explanation on definitions in the policy. Randy Paul asked if any Board member minded if Michelle joined the Board at the table. The Board present had no objection to it

Discussion continued, which included discussion on the library bargaining unit, employee rights, voting procedures, membership costs, and who would do the negotiations for the union.

Public Comment

Steve asked if there was any public comment.

Mickey Needham commented that this has been a very enlightening session.

Bara Swinson stated she feels like she is totally in the dark, as she knows she won't be represented as a manager. Bara suggested that we need to have union information generally available to all staff, so that folks receive good information to make a good choice.

Chris Jackson suggested some forums should occur where AFSCME can be at the table, our council, and someone from Louisville. Chris stated that this is a way to have a large gathering with a positive spirit, to come to a decision.

Dory Lynch told the Board that unions are growing in libraries. Dory said she would be represented by a union, and would be happy to be represented.

Phil Eskew concluded the public comment by reporting that the union is seeking information on wages and other things. Phil stated it is a privilege to have committees.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 8:30pm.