The Worthington Libraries Board of Trustees wrapped up a busy year of labor negotiations at their December 16 meeting, with the announcement that the union has officially ratified a new collective bargaining agreement that will run through 2028.
Contract Signed After Negotiations
Library Director/CEO Lauren Robinson shared during her report that the union bargaining committee had reached a tentative agreement in November, and the union membership has now ratified the contract.
"The union has ratified the contract, so we are able to sign that today," Robinson told the board. "We're very excited and very happy to have a wonderful contract. The process went really smoothly. We had a great team behind us."
Board President Joan Herbers acknowledged the effort involved, noting it was "a protracted and complicated series of negotiations." Director Robinson and Chief Financial Officer Jeremie Stevens signed the agreement on December 16, with the remaining union executive members scheduled to sign the following day.
The finance team is already implementing the contract terms in the library's payroll system, including changes to vacation accrual and new pay codes to track union time off. Stevens reported that the changes are expected to be ready by January 1.
2026 Pay Increases Approved
The board unanimously approved salary increases for all eligible employees, effective December 21, 2025. The increase is calculated at 4% of the midpoint of the 2026 pay ranges, added to each employee's current pay rate. This approach applies to both union and non-union staff members.
Board Secretary Elizabeth Grieser, who chairs the Personnel Committee, acknowledged the complexity of the calculation method: "I still find this concept extremely confusing, and so I imagine that a lot of the staff do." She indicated that CFO Stevens will work over the next year or two to potentially simplify the process while retaining its benefits for employees.
Following an executive session, the board also approved 4.7% salary increases for Director/CEO Lauren Robinson and Chief Financial Officer Jeremie Stevens.
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Updated Position Descriptions
Several position descriptions were updated to reflect current responsibilities:
- Computer Systems Analyst and Systems Administrator: Added cybersecurity incident response duties, reflecting new state budget requirements
- Director of Community Engagement: Removed programming oversight, as that function has moved elsewhere
- Director of Human Resources: Added oversight of the HRIS (Human Resources Information System)
- Human Resources Information Services Manager: Added change management and strength-based organization responsibilities
- Technical Services Aide: Added mail distribution duties
The board also approved the 2026 table of organization, which features a redesigned organizational chart created by graphic designer Stacey Clark. Board members praised the new visual format for its readability and color coding.
Personnel Policy Manual Updated
The board approved revisions to the Personnel Policy Manual, bringing policies in line with the new collective bargaining agreement. Additional changes include clarifications on department equipment usage, on-the-job injury procedures, use of information systems, public relations guidelines, and progressive discipline procedures. The updated manual also clarifies that "on time" for work means being at the assigned work area.
Director Robinson thanked HR Director Phyllis Winfield for the detailed work updating the policy manual.