PLATTSBURGH —
The union that covers Plattsburgh Public Library has accepted a contract proposed by a city councilor.
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 788B accepted the agreement proposed by Councilor Tim Carpenter (D-Ward 1), unanimously approving a four-year contract, AFSCME President Denise Nephew said.
The new contract, OK’d by the Library Board and pending approval by the Common Council, will prevent layoffs of four library employees.
NO RAISES, HOURS CUT
All 15 employees showed up for the vote Monday evening, Nephew said. The previous contract had expired in July.
Carpenter’s plan gives no raises, includes a 15 percent across-the-board increase in health-insurance payments and reduces the work week from 37.5 hours to 35 hours for each employee.
Nephew says the new contract will cause hardships for employees, but “it saves the library. It saves their lives. The library is their passion.
“They are going to lose money starting the beginning of the year,” she said, noting they will have to co-pay on health insurance and give up about two hours a week in pay.
“But they did it to save their library, to continue to help make things better.”
CITY CONTRIBUTION
Carpenter, who is liaison to the library, also proposed that the city give the library an additional $60,000 to help with a budget deficit of $150,000. But that must be approved by the Common Council.
“I’m very happy about the vote,” Carpenter said Tuesday morning. “The people at the library have spoken, and that’s a good thing.
“With this contract, the library budget will become extremely stable,” he added. “We will know the payroll costs over the next four years; the payroll likely won’t increase over that time period.”
Moving forward with the new contract means that all sides have had to make concessions, but it will also mean that the four positions will be saved, Carpenter noted.
“Basically, the library is getting a second chance. A lot of this is coming on the backs of the workers, but a lot of people have been involved in this. Everyone has made sacrifices, but it is amazing what people can do when they work together.”
The city provided $811,000 to fund the library this year, with the state contributing $87,000.
‘TERRIFIC’
But the city does not operate the library; it is run by a 13-member Board of Directors, who met today and finalized their approval of the new contract.
“I think it’s terrific,” Board President Roland Lockwood said of the union’s vote. “It’s a long-range plan for the library to get back on its feet the way it should be.
“By doing this, the union shows that they really do care about the library and the people who use it and are willing to help in any way they can.”
MINIMUM HOURS
The board had proposed the layoffs; the union countered with another offer. But it was Carpenter’s plan that put to rest weeks of controversy that included the possibility of job losses, a slashed book budget and reduced library hours.
Both Carpenter and Lockwood agreed that keeping the four positions will allow the library to remain open a minimum of 55 hours per week, which will allow the facility to continue receiving additional funding as the central library for the Clinton-Essex-Franklin Library System.
Local News
Library employees ratify contract
- Local News
-
-
Beekmantown Central faces major cuts
Superintendent Scott Amo proposes eliminating more than 40 positions and the district's entire athletic program.
-
Civil-rights claim against superintendent upheld
In a preliminary decision, the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission says Dr. Randy Richards did discriminate against a principal. And a petition with 600 signatures asks him to resign.
-
Accused says he's 'sorry for what I did'
Attempted-murder suspect Robert J. McCann tells a Franklin County jury steroids he used are to blame for his alleged aggression against his ex-girlfriend.
-
Route 22 condition called terrible
Essex County officials want the state road from Willsboro to Chesterfield resurfaced soon.
-
Attorney found no merit in appeal
Appellate court grants counsel's request to be removed from the case, saying issues brought up by convicted rapist Jason W. Annette of Tupper Lake were frivolous.
-
No contested races in northern Franklin County
Voters in the villages of Brushton, Burke and Chateaugay will go to the polls March 20.
-
Plattsburgh State promotes positive workplace
The college's Civility in the Workplace Steering Committee hopes to foster teamwork among college employees through a series of surveys, workshops and distribution of educational materials.
-
Saranac man to pay for fraud charges
Donald R. Velie Jr. was charged in August with worker's compensation fraud, based on allegations that he was receiving benefits while holding a side job.
-
Flying nun shows savvy travel sense
North Country Mission of Hope's Sister Debbie Blow was not about to let 300 pairs of reading glasses for the needy disappear at Managua Airport in Nicaragua.
-
Of Interest: Feb. 23, 2012
Congressional candidate plans meeting; Altona Town Offices closed this Friday; Beekmantown Fire Auxiliary seeks members; Booster Club case due back in court; City Council to consider street drives; Malone College Club offers scholarships.
-
Clinton County Property Transfers:Feb. 6 to 16, 2012
A list of land transactions in Clinton County Feb. 6 to 16, 2012.
- February 22, 2012
-
Accused says he's 'sorry for what I did'
Attempted-murder suspect Robert J. McCann tells a Franklin County jury steroids he used are to blame for his alleged aggression against his ex-girlfriend.
-
Civil-rights claim against superintendent upheld
In a preliminary decision, the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission says Lake Placid Central School Superintendent Dr. Randy Richards did discriminate against a principal. And a petition with 600 signatures asks him to resign.
-
Structure fire fizzles
Flames were doused quickly at 169 Grew Road in Mooers this afternoon, canceling the call for mutual-aid help.
-
Beekmantown may cut 40 jobs, all sports
At Tuesday's School Board meeting, Superintendent Scott Amo also proposed reductions to arts and music, cutting back to minimum requirements on state-mandated services and making other reductions to bridge a $3.2 million budget gap for 2012-13.
-
Forest rangers rescue hiker from Mount Marcy
Separated from his hiking party Monday, Stephen Mastaitis spent a frigid night on the mountain with wind chill near 20 below.
-
Attempted-murder trial resumes
Robert J. McCann of Brushton returns to Franklin County Court as testimony continues in the 11-count case against him for allegedly harming, stalking and raping his former girlfriend.
-
Northeast sees massive bee losses
Champlain Valley Beekeepers Association President Dick Crawford said beekeepers he has talked with have seen deaths of between 90 percent and 100 percent.
-
Beekmantown Central faces major cuts
- Recent Article Comments
Romney, Santorum Assail Each Other in GOP Debate
New Radar Confirms Tornadoes Faster
Police: Wash. School Shooting Accidental
Fitness Program Improves Lives of Mentally Ill
NJ Officials Blast NYPD Over Spying Report
2nd Degree Murder Verdict in Lacrosse Slaying
GOP Rivals Pass Contraception Debate, Hit Obama
Romney, Santorum Swap Charges in 20th Debate
Raw Video: Guilty Verdict in UVa Lacrosse Death
$5 Gas Coming to Pumps Near You?
Raw Video: French Police Release Strauss-Kahn
Ga. Spa Shooting Leaves 5 Dead, Victims Related
2 More Western Journalists Die in Syria
7 Killed As Afghan Quran Protests Turn Violent
Santorum Goes After Obama on Energy
Judge Says Lindsay Lohan in the "Home Stretch"
Father Accused of Using Leash on 11 Year Old
Obama Helps Break Ground on Black History Museum
Raw Video: Dozens Dead in Argentina Train Crash
Wounded Vets Regain Some Camaraderie in Kitchen
