Library workers at the Upper Arlington Public Library have ratified their first contract.
The workers will receive 3% raises in each year of a three-year contract.
The contract also gives the workers six weeks of paid parental leave, plus paid leave for employees who are assaulted at work.
There will also be increases in vacation time and sick time for part-time workers. The contract also ensures that workers are eligible for tuition reimbursement to pursue a master's degree in library science and information.
“As a bargaining committee, we worked hard in negotiations to make the improvements in our workplace that we and our co-workers need so our libraries can be workplaces where we can thrive and build a career,” Josh Stewart, a training and support coordinator for the Tremont Road branch, said in a statement.
The workers voted last week. The library board has also ratified the contract.
The contract took effect on April 7. Between 85 and 90 workers are in the union, which is represented by the Ohio Federation of Teachers.
Upper Arlington is the fifth local union to finalize a contract, joining workers in Worthington, Grandview Heights, Pickerington and Delaware County.
Columbus Metropolitan Library workers are also trying to form a union.
In a statement to WOSU, a library spokesperson said, "We’re very pleased that the Upper Arlington Public Library Board of Trustees and Upper Arlington Public Library United Staff have ratified our first collective bargaining agreement. This milestone provides a strong foundation for our entire team as we continue the work that our community relies on every day."
