  |
|
|
| Library workers vote to unionize, join NYSUT Oct. 6, 2006 NEW CITY , N.Y. October 6, 2006 – Library workers who are part of the New City Library have voted to unionize and be represented by New York State United Teachers. The librarians and other workers, in a 40-13 vote under the direction of the National Labor Relations Board, voted to unionize after an organizing campaign that began in late summer. The vote succeeded despite anti-union efforts by a high-powered law firm hired by library management to oppose the union campaign. "New City's library staff want and deserve a voice in their workplace, and respect from supervisors for the important work they do," said NYSUT President Richard C. Iannuzzi. "With our support, they will soon have a seat at the table and a say in what happens to them on the job." "In unity, there is strength," added Arlene Sandner, a library employee and a leader of the organizing effort. "We realized that by joining together — and tapping into NYSUT's vast resources and expertise — we would have a stronger voice when it comes to discussions over salaries, benefits and working conditions in our library." The NLRB is expected to certify the vote within 10 days unless the employer objects. If no objections are filed within that period, the NLRB will formally certify the union and employees of the New City Library will begin efforts to win a collective bargaining agreement. "With such a strong mandate, we are looking forward to sitting down with the employer and working out an agreement that is in the best interests of workers, the library and the community," Sandner said. "We are very pleased with the strong support we received from the staff for forming a union," Sandner added. "It feels like a new beginning and an opportunity to make some positive changes. We look forward to continuing to serve the community with excellence and with dignity." NYSUT represents 575,000 teachers, school-related professionals, academic and professional faculty in higher education, professionals in education and health care and retirees. NYSUT is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association and the AFL-CIO. -30- |
CONTACT: NYSUT Media Relations and Communications. (518) 213-6000, Ext. 6313. E-Mail: mediarel@nysutmail.org. |
|
| |