LA County libraries have retreated from a mandatory 4/40 schedule to be effective Monday, July 12. In a July 7 letter to Chief Librarian Margaret Donnellan Todd, the CEO has delayed implementation of this 4/40 program, pending a meeting with library stewards and leaders to plan a responsible 4/40 work schedule that creates savings, keeps libraries open, and respects and complies with your contract.
“Personally, I think the 4/40 is a great idea! However, staff who need to keep a five day week must have that as an option. This can be worked out to everyone’s benefit if labor and management cooperate. Come to our meeting! The only way to make a change is to get involved!”
– Cindy Singer, Community Library Manager, Hacienda Heights
What Is Our Position?
- Library schedules must work for the community, and loss of service days is not acceptable.
- Library stewards and leaders support a voluntary 4/40 schedule that works for people with child-care, schooling, medical or other needs. Other departments already offer such a schedule. Library staff who want to switch to a 4/40 schedule should have that option.
- Mandatory implementation of a 4/40 schedule undermines our negotiated contract. The MOU defines a work week for purposes of work schedules as five consecutive eight hour days. The alternative work schedule article of the MOUs clearly state: “Employees MAY request a 9/80 or 4/40 work week schedule.”
Come to a Meeting
Bring your questions and ideas about what our work schedules should look like and hear from SEIU 721 President Bob Schoonover, Vice President Linda Dent and Library Stewards and Leaders about our next steps:
Thursday July 15th at 6:30
SEIU 721, 500 S. Virgil Ave., L.A.
Auditorium
If you have any further questions, please feel free to call Sergio Barahona, Worksite Organizer at (213) 368-8692 or your Library Steward.