TCPL PSA Bargaining Update: Day 13

PSA Bargaining Update Day 13

Tuesday, September 23, 12-5 pm

Management present: Kathy Weinberg, TCPL Board President; Laura Krauss, TCPL Board Member; Peter Jones, outside counsel

Labor present: Joyce Wheatley, Jeremy Jordan, Asia Bonacci, PSA Negotiating Team; John Tavares, UAW Local 2300 President; Lonnie Everett, UAW Region 9; Shelby Buche, SSA observer; two students from Cornell ILR observing

Management presented a counteroffer to the offer made by Labor in the last meeting. This offer was made as a package. Management offered a 2% non-retroactive wage increase for 2025, and a 2% wage increase for 2026 & 2027, with a one-time $680 ratification bonus. The Union was also to accept all changes made to 7) Timecards, including mandatory use of sick time to cover absence or tardiness and the ability to be disciplined or terminated for deficits of benefit time at management's discretion. There was additional wording concerning the dropping of specific PERB charges (See attachments).

The Union countered with a 5% for 2025 with back pay, 4.5% for 2026, and 4% with a ratification bonus of $4,000 for all members employed at the expiration of the previous contract. Labor conducted a sidebar conversation where it was mentioned that back pay is needed in any contract, as we are nearly 10 months into 2025. It was also mentioned that Managements proposal overlaps/contradicts already TA’d agreements established on 7/22/2025 for Sections 15 & 16 of the contract, meaning the Section 7D of their proposal constitutes potential back bargaining.

Labor argued that our current counter would still put us under the Bureau of Labor averages for Ithaca Librarians. Labor also argued that it can be afforded in the current budget due to unspent budget lines. Additionally, reductions in the amount of legal spending to historic levels going forward could pay for the entire payroll package over 3 years. Labor noted that the current Legal budget exceeds the entire print budget for the library and questioned how this is good stewardship of public funds. Labor also noted the Library relies on the goodwill of the community, has historically funded our organization, and expects professional librarians capable of performing a wide variety of programs and services. Labor reminded management that monies from the County are meant to be spent, typically in the same year, not used to fill an ever-expanding reserve fund. Labor pointed out that the reserve fund has continued to grow every year since 2020 and is currently more than the mandated amount. Under the current budget, the reserve fund is going to continue to expand, rather than being spent as intended. Management caucused but will continue to review the proposal for the next session.

Next bargaining session:

Tuesday, September 30, 2-5 pm

Attached below are Management's and Labor's counters from Bargaining Day 13

Attached below is a file of TCPL PSA Bargaining Update: Day 13