COLLECTIVE BARGAINING FOR LIBRARY EMPLOYEES

WHEREAS, at the Conference of the New York State Commissioner's Committee on Library Development, it was proposed that there be drastic reorganization within New York State Public and School Libraries; and

WHEREAS, other states are making similar plans; and

WHEREAS, it is being proposed that there be a shift of programs and responsibilities from the jurisdiction of public libraries to that of school libraries; and

WHEREAS, there is no provision being contemplated for the provision of necessary additional personnel, quarters and other requirements; and

WHEREAS, there was no prior consultation of union representatives of the to be affected library systems; and

WHEREAS, such drastic changes might seriously undermine both the effectiveness of both systems and the services provided, and the working conditions of the employees involved; and

WHEREAS, this is indeed a collective bargaining item:

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers oppose such contemplated plans of the New York State Commissioner's Committee on Library Development and such other similar plans in other states which have been proposed and call upon the Commissioners of Education in respective states to negotiate all such changes with the respective collective bargaining agents. (Executive Council)