Written in Granite: Reading between the lines

I’m not sure which metaphor would apply in this case:

“On the same page.” “Reading between the lines.” Or perhaps, “Throw the book at ’em.”

Labor negotiations can be complex and delicate, and the process can also become exhaustive and emotional. Just ask those who work for the Nashua Public Library (AFT Local #4831). They’ve been on the job for more than 120 days now without a contract. The impasse centers around wages, job security and the city withholding retroactive pay. Employees are also against the reduction of staff hours and/or the elimination of staff positions.

To add another layer of uneasiness, Nashua’s Board of Aldermen just gave the thumbs up, 10-4 (one absent), to a measure that approves the issuance of bonds (not to exceed $3 million) for the design and other ancillary costs to renovate the downtown public library at 2 Court St. It’s a much-needed project that city officials look forward to, and the price tag is hefty at around $45 million.

However, the unresolved labor contract doesn’t sit well with Aldermen Ben Clemons, Derek Thibeault and James Ravan. Vice President Clemons voted against the library bond because of the lack of progress being made with the negotiations, saying to long-time Corporation Counsel Steve Bolton, “There needs to be some fairness given to these employees by the city … It’s a small unit, and I wish you’d do a better job.”

Bolton, the lead negotiator, shot back at Clemons, saying that the alderman didn’t know what he was talking about. “You don’t know what went on at any of those sessions. It’s all been fair. It’s all been legal.”

At a recent Budget Review Committee meeting, Clemons took exception to library employees not receiving retroactive pay. “That would break down a precedent here at this level. I don’t think that delaying a contract should ever be a reason for somebody not getting paid.”

Ward 8 Alderman Thibeault also voted against the library bond in support of the employees, saying, “Over 100 days, four mediations, and I’ll leave it at that. It’s at an impasse, so it’s not going against the Fair Labor standards. But as aldermen, I feel it’s our right to vote the way we want and not be shamed for our vote. I’m trying to do right by the people in our city, our constituents.”

Should the library renovation project/bond and public library employees working without a new contract be tied together as twin voting matters?

Alderman-at-Large Michael O’Brien, Sr., former Nashua Fire Rescue deputy chief, says that’s the danger these aldermen are wading into. “It’s apples and oranges. I’m a 35-year union member, so I support their contract, but the city has a legal set tier to negotiate. Our job is to sit collectively and see if what was negotiated can be properly funded.”

The next mediation session for Nashua Public Library employees is scheduled for today, Nov. 2. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.

All communities benefit from having public libraries and the fine people who work there.

Let’s end on a quote by the late President John F. Kennedy: “These libraries should be open to all — except the censor. We must know all the facts and hear all the alternatives and listen to all the criticisms. Let us welcome controversial books and controversial authors. For the Bill of Rights is the guardian of our security as well as our liberty.”