AFSCME Council 3-represented workers at the Enoch Pratt Free Library (EPFL) system in Baltimore
have successfully ratified their first union contract after almost two years of negotiations.
The agreement between Pratt Workers United—formed under Council 3—and the historic public library system marks their first union contract, which covers more than 300 staff across all 22 locations in the city. The bargaining unit is inclusive of a wide range of essential roles such as librarians, office technicians, custodial staff, security personnel and others. Highlights of the agreement include a $1,000 ratification bonus, improved health and safety protections, anti-discrimination provisions and other critical wins.
“It’s about time my co-workers and I have a formal agreement that guarantees we have a voice on the job,” said office technician Dominic Serino in an AFSCME blog post. “We’re the ones doing the work every day, and this agreement recognizes the vast amount of experience and knowledge we bring to our work and the communities we serve.”