For Immediate Release
August 1, 2024
Contact: Neil Bhaerman, nbhaerman@oft-aft.org
Athens County Public Libraries Board Approves Voluntary Recognition for ACPL United
ATHENS, OH — Today, the Athens County Public Libraries Board of Trustees passed a resolution approving voluntary recognition for Athens County Public Libraries United (ACPLU). The Board's resolution also directs the library to propose an alternate description of which job titles are included in the union's bargaining unit. The library and union will work through the State Employment Relations Board process for reaching an agreement about the bargaining unit.
The ACPLU Organizing Committee released the following statement in response:
“We are very appreciative that the ACPL Board respected our decision and voted to voluntarily recognize our union based on the overwhelming majority of staff who signed union cards. We are looking forward to reaching an agreement about which job titles are included in our union.
Voluntary recognition of our union allows us to immediately begin working collaboratively with our Board and administration on a fair union contract and on other shared priorities, like building support for our levy in this year’s election. Most importantly, voluntary recognition of our union is a clear statement to the community that ACPL staff, administration, and Board members are united to provide the highest quality libraries and resources to our patrons.”
More information can be found in our previous press release.