Dear Siblings, Sisters and Brothers, Since LAUSD is closing Monday (alongside private schools), we are all wondering about the impact on our branches, home life, and paychecks. Those of us with children are concerned about what the City's policy will be in regards to our obligation to stay home and run lesson plans with our children (and take care of all their needs, as well). Here is what we know so far: our AFSCME union representatives are working on these issues with the City. What seems to be forthcoming, at the very least, is an opportunity to telecommute (work from home). As soon as we know more information about the parameters of this, we will let all of you know. Beyond this, we have asked our representatives to request that the City relax its distinction between VC and SK, allowing City workers to use both regardless of the circumstances. In addition, we have also asked our AFSCME representatives to address with the City the prospect of how to support workers who actually contract the Coronavirus, or need to give care and attention to a family member who has. Our mantra in all this is that these are extraordinary days, and the City needs to rise to the challenge of doing the right thing by its workers and their families. Please take it to heart that the Librarians' Guild and the Coalition of LA City Unions are there to do our absolute best to make sure that the City quickly addresses these important concerns. Lastly, please continue to contact us with your suggestions, questions, concerns, etc. All of your previous questions have been put forth to Management and other City representatives. In solidarity, Henry Gambill and Lisa Palombi
0 Comments
Sisters and Brothers, Before we begin, if you haven't already, please take the time to view the Mayor's press conference in conjunction with the LA County Board of Supervisors. It provides new information as to the City's plan for the weeks ahead. It can be streamed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ld-8FwyY5BA That being said, this afternoon, Lisa and I talked with management about our concerns about staff safety in light of the Coronavirus pandemic. The following information we need to share with you. (1) If you haven't heard already, all library programs, either staff led or other, are cancelled for the rest of the month. This includes STAR Readers. If some of you have Friends' Bookstores, please talk to your supervisors and Friends' groups about the possibility of cancelling these services, as well. (2) The Mayor has directed that City buildings have "staggered" attendance of no more than 50 people at once. This is why we were asked today (without any word as to why) for a snapshot of our attendance. The Mayor's mandate of 50 people is the combination of staff and patrons. This directive will go into place Monday. Obviously, Central Library will be closing to the public and much of the staff will be redeployed. (3) The Guild objected strongly to the newly formed "Coronavirus Task Force" commencing this week without Management including the union at the table. We pointed out that our MOUs mandate a joint labor-management Health, Safety and Welfare Committee and that it was inappropriate to start a new committee without recognizing that the Guild should take part. After much discussion, the City Librarian invited the Guild to the next meeting. (4) The City Librarian agreed with the union that our janitorial services should begin more intensive cleaning of our branches and departments as soon as possible. Management is in discussion with these agencies about our current needs. More cleaning supplies for staff use are also being ordered (The Mayor also underscored this in the press conference). (5) Public computer use at all our facilities will be suspended beginning tomorrow (Friday). I'm typing this very quickly, so please excuse any unpolished parts to this email. Please share this email with all staff members in order to keep everyone in the loop. Lastly, this has been an exhausting day for all of us. Hang in there. I hope everyone has a restful evening. Henry Gambill |
Archives
March 2024
|