MVPL SIGNS CONTRACT WITH CSEA.

PRESS RELEASE

Library and Workers' Union Sign 10 Year 

Contract Agreement.

Fiscally Responsible Raises are a Win for Employees and Taxpayers.

 

 

Mount Vernon, NY, September 20, 2019 - The Mount Vernon Public Library Board of Trustees and CSEA signed off on an agreement today that ends six years of negotiation. Library employees will receive annual increases of  two (2 %) percent for 2014 through 2019; two-and-a-half (2.5%) percent for 2020 through 2022 and two (2 %) percent for 2023.

Gary Newman CSEA Mount Vernon Public Library Unit President stated, "After a hard fought six year battle, we're thrilled that we'll finally be getting our pay raises.  CSEA has been with us 100%, and can be proud of the strength and resilience of its members.  We're all hoping for an era of better relations with management as we move forward."

The old contract was extended to allow for ongoing negotiations. This new historic 10 year contract marks the first agreement for unionized workers have signed with elected Library Trustees. "A lot has been done to improve this great institution but for me, the greatest accomplishment was to satisfy a fair contract that provides wages to our staff and is financially prudent for our taxpayers," said Library Board President Oscar Davis Jr.  

Workers are employed by the library, not the city. The library is a separate entity that this year received $4.8 million from taxpayers for its operating budget. To cover its remaining expenses, the library raises revenue, solicits donations, and applies for grants.

Over the past few years the Board of Trustees has been focused on creating a public library that is not only a repository for books but a fuller community resource that includes special events and programming. Improving employee work environments and work on the building is ongoing. Technology to put the library in the forefront has been installed and upgrades to some existing systems have been made. An ambitious plan is in the works to develop a Teen Computer Lab that will motivate young people through computer technology. The lab will help fill a void that prohibits some youth from engaging in advantages offered in modern information and communications technology.

"With the contract behind us we can move full steam ahead with developing more great things at the Mount Vernon Public Library. I am confident we all want Westchester's Central Library to be the place others want to emulate," said Davis.

For additional information on Mount Vernon Public Library resources visit us online at mountvernonpubliclibrary.org or contact us at 914-668-1840.