Promotions and improvements in working conditions are included in new unit agreements between New York Public Library and Locals 374 and 1930. Above, L. 374 Pres. Cuthbert (Maurice) Dickenson and L. 1930 Pres. Ray Markey lead union negotiators (facing camera) as talks conclude June 17. Members ratified pact overwhelmingly.

Local 374 and Local 1930 recently concluded negotiations on new unit contracts, which cover working conditions at the New York Public Library and pave the way for payment of the two percent increase due July 1 under the DC 37 economic agreement.

Quasi-Public Employees Local 374 and New York Public Library Guild Local 1930 wrapped up the talks in June, and members overwhelmingly ratified the pacts at meetings held July 15.

“These negotiations were done in just three days, which is a lot faster than usual, yet we won some significant improvements,” Local 374 President Cuthbert (Maurice) Dickenson said. “We resolved some important concerns of our members, and we were happy to accomplish this quickly,” Local 1930 President Ray Markey said. Both working conditions contracts call for members to receive a bonus day on Dec. 24 this year.

Provisions on closing buildings due to low temperatures will now go into effect at 67 rather than 68 degrees. One of the highlights of the Local 374 agreement is that the NYPL agreed to promote 10 Junior Library Custodians to Assistant Library Custodian.

The Local 1930 contract calls for the promotion of 12 members from the Office Associate 1 title to Office Associate 2. Local 374 represents blue-collar workers at the NYPL. Local 1930 represents librarians, clerical workers and a number of other white collar and professional titles.

The Local 374 bargaining committee included Mr. Dickenson, NYPL Chapter Chair Joseph Reece, Custodians Shop Steward Louis Deary, Motor Vehicle Operators Shop Steward Jeffery Hylton, Rep Keith Clarke, Assistant General Counsel Leonard Polletta of the DC 37 Legal Dept. and Assistant Director Michelle H. Green of the Research and Negotiations Dept.

The Local 1930 committee included Mr. Markey and Ms. Green, as well as Vice President Lynn Taylor, Treasurer Carol Thomas and Executive Board members Hank Sambach, Diane Serrano, Lee Robinson and Anthony Wyche.