Grosse Pointe Library And Union Close To New Contract Deal

The Grosse Pointe Library Board and union representing librarians and staffers are close to a new contract, according to MEA Local 1 President John Clexton. Pink lawn signs for the librarians dot lawns across the five Grosse Pointe communities, showing a swell of public support for the workers that has only grown in the last few weeks. Jan. 23, the board met with union representatives to work on terms of a new contract for the employees. The workers have been without a contract since July, with the sides arguing over sick leave, health insurance and signing bonuses.

The union initially rejected the board’s offer of a short-term disability plan to replace the worker-supported sick leave bank because the plan didn’t include a detailed explanation of coverage, and the board was initially reluctant to fill in those blanks. Thursday’s meeting proved productive, though, according to Clexton.

“We came to a meeting of the minds last week, but still no contract,” he said. “We await particularities to be worked out between the attorneys of our association and the library. We hope that good things will come and we will be able to put out a vote to members on Friday,” he added.

The sides will meet again later this week.