CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Public Library has announced a new collective bargaining agreement with the Laborers' Local 860 that will be in place for the next three years.
According to a release, the two sides reached agreement "on a comprehensive economic package that includes a higher starting rate of pay for new Safety and Security Officers to help attract and retain safety staff."
"We are confident that this new agreement will better position Cleveland Public Library to attract and retain high-quality officers to protect and serve our patrons, our community, and our staff," said Felton Thomas, Jr., Executive Director and CEO of Cleveland Public Library. "This expeditious and successful outcome highlights the effective collaboration and leadership of both Local 860 and the Library’s negotiating teams.”
The two sides began contract discussions last month, quickly reaching a tentative agreement that was ratified by the Cleveland Public Library's Board of Trustees on July 3.
“This new agreement is a positive step towards attracting and retaining high quality candidates for Cleveland Public Library’s Safety and Security staff,” said Colin Sikon, vice president of Local 860.
Library leaders add that in the coming weeks and months, steps will be taken "to increase the number of Safety and Protective Services officers to ensure security and service."
Earlier this month, Cuyahoga County Public Library (CCPL) also negotiated a new collective bargaining agreement with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1199. More than 400 CCPL workers were prepared for a walkout starting July 18 if a new deal was not reached.
According to CCPL leaders, the new agreement "guarantees the following":
- 5% wage increase in 2024 (retroactive to March 31, 2024)
- 4% wage increase in 2025
- 3% wage increase in 2026
The new agreement was ratified by CCPL staff members represented by the union during a July 7 vote. Final approval of the agreement will be voted on by the CCPL Board of Trustees during their planned meeting on Tuesday.
“We are extremely pleased that there will be no strike and that we will continue to offer uninterrupted services to our customers,” Cuyahoga County Public Library CEO Tracy Strobel said in a statement. “CCPL is proud to offer competitive wages, annual pay increases, and robust benefits to full-time and part-time Library employees.”
The next contract negotiations between CCPL and SEIU will take place in 2027.
