Council approves language-compensation pilot for Saint Paul Public Library staff

The Saint Paul City Council on April 16 approved memoranda of agreement creating a pilot equitable language compensation premium for frontline staff at the Saint Paul Public Library represented by three unions.

Council Member Buie introduced the item on the consent agenda and described the labor negotiations and the groups involved. “The equity language premium memorandum was negotiated by our labor relations, library administration, ASKME clerical, ASKME technical, and the professional employees association,” Buie said, adding that the three unions represent most frontline staff who provide customer service in multiple languages.

The memorandum recognizes and compensates staff members who provide customer service in a language other than English when that function is part of their essential job duties. Buie thanked union leaders and labor relations staff for reaching the agreement and said the pilot is intended to support an inclusive library experience for patrons.

Vote: The resolution (item 11 on the consent agenda) was adopted; the transcript records the consent vote in favor.

Next steps: The pilot will be administered under the memoranda of agreement between the city and AFSCME locals and the Professional Employees Association; labor relations and library administration will implement details with participating staff and unions.

Speakers quoted in this article are drawn from the council meeting transcript.