Well, good luck trying to use any of the Minneapolis Public Libraries after Jan. 1st 2004. No, they won't be closed, but they may as well be. Hours are being drastically cut at neighborhood libraries, as well as staff. The collection has already been gutted, and scattered to the wind. Next, it's the staff.
As with most "Corporate Cleansings", there seem to be jobs and raises for those at the top, including several newly created positions,which probably gives someone deniability when it comes to raises during a budget shortfall and mass firing. Oh, sorry, I meant to say reorganization. Don't tell me we don't have any money! I believe 3 of these new positions are in Public Relations. Curious, huh? According to estimates done by AFSCME based on the reorganization plan from library administration, and I am quoting from a letter to the Library Board of Trustees and Director Hadley from the AFSCME Council 14 business representative , " AFSCME represents approximately 66% of the current MPL workforce, but is being faced with roughly 91% of the positions being eliminated through the reorganization. Administration represents 8% of the current workforce but is facing only 3%of the position reductions. MPL Librarians represent 21% of the current workforce but are facing only 6% of the position reductions." What does this mean to the taxpayer? People on both sides can do whatever they want with statistics, but to me it means that lot of these people can, and probably will be replaced by substitutes and part time workers with little or no benefits and lousy pay once the powers that be figure out that the work cannot be done without an adequate number of staff. Trouble is, you need competent trained staff. It takes six months of training just to be competent as a library page fer crissakes! There seems to be a trend toward a retail model for the libraries, so why not retail staff, at retail compensation? This can only result in retail value to the taxpayer. But hey, there'll be a McStarbucks on site, and art! Now, when there isn't anyone to get you that information you need on the same day for a college paper or a business meeting, remember that person who used to be there to help you. Of course the really tough sell will be for them to explain to you how you are really getting the most out of your tax dollars while your children have no one a Saturday to help them with their school projects because the people who provide the service are too expensive. . In August of this year 7,743.75 hours of staff time, worth more than $140,000, were donated by 157 employees who took leave without pay. I don't know what the pay will be for these new P.R. positions, but I'd bet it's going to be at least half of that amount for one. 157 to 3, workers and taxpayers lose. Workers got a big thank you for their generosity,and will soon get the pink slip as a bonus. Oh, I forgot. It's all Pawlenty's fault. Nevermind. There will be a Library Board Meeting tonight, Nov.19th at 6 PM - 250 Marquette Ave. Come on down and ask some questions. Find out what the Trib won't tell you. Mike Nelson Central In case there are any doubts, these statements are my own, and in no way to be construed as representing the Minneapolis Public Library, or AFSCME. REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
