Bainbridge Closure
We were in “bargaining” for 7 hours today discussing the closure of the Bainbridge branch through November 29^th. Through that time, we only had management in the room for 25 minutes.
We did not get any clarity on:
- What the schedules for the affected employees is going to be
- If employees would be required to pay the Library for healthcare costs, should they take leave without pay
- What the “emergency” is
- Why we couldn’t be notified earlier
- …Nor any of the many, many questions that this debacle has caused
Through this turmoil, many members are uncertain. We wish we could lend clarity, and we’re trying to get management to meet with us late tonight, through the weekend, or as soon as possible, but in this moment, we feel it’s best to remind you of your rights and offer some advice based on current events.
If you go to another branch, please request mileage.
They did say that they would pay mileage, so be sure to track that.
Follow the directions that have been previously provided by the employer, which was to not check your email when you are not on work time.
Bainbridge employees have been specifically told not to do so.
Do not meet privately with management if they try to discuss your schedule directly
Always ensure that a union steward or representative is with you to ensure that your rights are not violated
If you want to talk about your circumstances publicly, always be sure to state that you are not representing the library.
As stated in Article 13.4, the employer is required to provide 2 weeks’ notice for any schedule change, except during an emergency. Planned construction is not an emergency nor is a lack of planning.
As stated in Article 5.3, any change to working conditions generally, like how you do you work, where you do your work, what you use to do your work, or what’s around you while you work, all requires 21 days’ notice.
If you are a Bainbridge employee and are in an uncertain situation and don’t know what do do, follow what your supervisor has instructed you to do, inform us as soon as you can, and document each moment in the process.
If in doubt, please call the WPEA President, Amanda Hacker at:
In Solidarity,
WPEA
