County Commissioners Approve Next Step Towards Consolidation

The consolidation of the Minneapolis and Hennepin County Libraries took another step forward yesterday when the Hennepin County Commissioners unanimously approved the “guiding principles ”  for consolidation previously approved by the Minneapolis Public Library Trustees and City Council. The Commissioners did, however, make a couple significant changes. The issue will now pass to the State Legislature and Governor.  We expect action by the end of the session in late May.

Labor issues continue to be the most complicated to resolve The Commissioners’ resolution states that MPL employees transferred into Hennepin County employment will: 1) Be allocated to an appropriate job classification and will accept Hennepin County’s wage rates and conditions of employment; 2) Retain their seniority date except for Hennepin County’s early retiree health insurance benefits, in which case they will be treated as new employees.

MPL is still analyzing the impact of the Hennepin County Board’s action and seeking answers to a number of questions.  How many employees will be affected?  Who are they? What is the extent of the impact? What are the new job classifications for MPL employees and what is the comparable wage rate?  Are there alternative ways to compensate employees for potentially lost wages?

Whatever one thinks of the progress to date on the economic issues, the Commissioners’ action is an important and historic vote for MPL.  Consolidating with Hennepin County Library is the most promising solution for a strong and sustainable future for patrons and staff alike.  Today’s vote was a step toward consolidation, and there is much to be understood, discussed, and resolved.