Striking Marin County, California, employees—including support and professional staff at the Marin County Free Library's 10 branches—have reached an agreement with the county board of supervisors after a 10-day rolling walkout.
The Marin Association of Public Employees had asked for a two-year contract with 5% annual wage increases, but county officials only offered a three-year contract with a 7.5% wage increase. The new agreement, ratified August 11 by the county board of supervisors, is a compromise and guarantees wage and benefit increases of 10.5% over three years. In addition, it gives some lower-paid workers (including some library personnel) "equity-adjustment" raises of 5.5%.
Library Desk Supervisor Katrina Raleigh said that a joint committee on salaries—with three members appointed by the union and three by the county—will be formed to examine salary issues.
Posted August 17, 1998.