First Contract for New CWA Local 1085 Members

FIRST CONTRACT FOR NEW CWA LOCAL 1085 MEMBERS

On January 14th, Gloucester County library workers, members of CWA Local 1085, celebrated the overwhelming ratification of their first contract!

In September of 2018, Gloucester County Library System (GCLS) workers approached Local 1085 to help organize a union at the county-wide libraries, involving 58 employees. After forming a representative organizing committee, OC members were trained by national staff and 1085 President Mike Blaszczyk, and then began the work of organizing their workplace - they came up with a mission statement, mapped their workplace, had organizing conversations with co-workers, and signed cards. GCLS units qualified for card check in early 2020, and then built an bargaining committee to bargain a strong first contract. Highlights of the contract include 2% raises retroed to 1/1/19, reduction in premium sharing for healthcare, and maintaining and memorializing favorable terms that employees previously had.

“My grandmother was a CWA dues-paying member for over thirty years and was able to provide for her five children after her husband died in his thirties," said Organizing Committee and Bargaining Committee member Jim O'Connor. "Her youngest at the time was still in a stroller. She had job security and peace of mind.”