Rockford aldermen delayed approving a collective bargaining agreement with library workers.
The contract would give union members 3% wage increases this year, as well as increases in the next two years of 2.75-3%, based on seniority. It was set to be approved by the city council. However, the Register-Star reports Alderman Tim Durkee questioned why most branches are closed on Saturday and Sunday. He said these were “bankers hours” and also expressed concern over a provision that pays employees time-and-a-half for working on Sunday, particularly when the library system is struggling financially.
Recognizing Durkee's concerns, the board voted 8-3 to send the agreement back to committee. Rockford Legal Director Patrick Hayes said the delay in approval was unlikely to cause significant problems for the city or the library system.