Library board ratifies Teamsters Union pact

Diana Sahagun

Friday, Aug. 14, 1998 | 11:10 a.m.

Members of the Clark-County Library District voted unanimously to accept a three year contract with Teamsters Local Union #14, making the employees eligible for a 4 percent cost-of-living increase under the terms.

Under the agreement, the wages of employees will increase beginning June 27.

In November, the 267 full-time workers voted to unionize. Nine months later, after an hour-long closed session discussion at the Board of Trustees meeting Thursday evening, the agreement was made.

Employees had mixed reactions. Some congratulated each other from their seats, while some board members still expressed concern.

"I support the contract, but I have a concern of what effect the budget will have on future years," trustee member Gloria Sturnam said. Barbara Robinson, also a trustee member, echoed her concern. "My concern is that we won't have the money we usually have. I have some very serious concerns about the budget."

Carl Rowe, managing agent for the Clark County Library District, assured that a detrimental affect on the budget would only be a worse-case scenario.

"Since we are a public agency, we can't affect our revenue because it's determined by tax revenues," he said. "In the worst case scenario, if we had a revenue shortfall of 25 percent, that would mean in order to accommodate the terms of the contract, we would have to cut employees, since we can't lower wages. But that is not in the cards, it's not likely to happen in that magnitude. It would be more likely to happen in a 1-2 percent increment."

He emphasized that the main benefit of the Union is the wage increase and more benefits to workers.

"The main benefit is to the employees," he said. "Now they can bargain collectively by having a Union that is their advocate. They also have the grievance process, meaning we have to follow the same rules every time."

Gary Mauger, representing the Teamster's Union #14, congratulated members of the board on making their decision.

"I would like to pass on my praise in the way the negotiations went. The relationship from the start was good and now it has only gotten better."

Committee chair member Sherry Layne also expressed her satisfaction with the agreement at the meeting.

"I am happy to get back on the service of providing books and enjoyment to people."