Library unions freeze wages for second year, extend current contracts

YOUNGSTOWN — The board of trustees of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County has approved one-year contract extensions for its union workers, in which wages will remain frozen at 2008 levels.

The board approved the agreements, which had been ratified by the union members on Jan. 22, at its meeting today.

The 16-branch library system also agreed to freeze wages for administrative employees as long as wages for the union members are frozen.

Also under the agreements, there will be no further layoffs of library employees unless there are further reductions in state or local funding.

“We have cash-flow issues, and the employees recognize that. We also have a real uncertain future going forward. People don’t want their libraries to close,” said Carlton Sears, library system director.

For the complete story, see Friday's Vindicator and Vindy.com