Passaic Library workers, members of amalgamated UE Local 155, won four percent wage increases in each year of their new three-year contract. This was the first multi-year contract in many years; for some time, the local has been negotiating one-year extensions due to issues with the library’s finances. In addition to the wage increases, which are higher than they have historically received, the workers won an extra early closure day (with pay) and increased the travel reimbursements.

“I was very happy that they took our proposals seriously and we finalized the contract very quickly with both sides being happy with the end result,” said senior library assistant David Pointer, who represented his co-workers at the bargaining table. Pointer was assisted by International Representative Tara McCauley.