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Rockford City Council Defers Library Collective Bargaining Agreement Vote

City of Rockford

Rockford aldermen delayed approving a collective bargaining agreement with library workers.  

The contract would give union members 3% wage increases this year, as well as increases in the next two years of 2.75-3%, based on seniority.  It was set to be approved by the city council.    However, the Register-Star reports Alderman Tim Durkee questioned why most branches are closed on Saturday and Sunday.  He said these were “bankers hours” and also expressed concern over a provision that pays employees time-and-a-half for working on Sunday, particularly when the library system is struggling financially. 

Recognizing Durkee's concerns, the board voted 8-3 to send the agreement back to committee. Rockford Legal Director Patrick Hayes said the delay in approval was unlikely to cause significant problems for the city or the library system.