Earlier this year, nearly 25 percent of our Higher Ed membership completed the 2017 bargaining survey. One of those members was WOU Library Technician Lori Bullis. After observing systematic and state-wide mistreatment of Library Techs across the board which lead to increased turnover and a general lack of staffing power, Lori was motivated to suggest a salary selective proposal for Library Techs in order to increase recruitment and retention of these positions in our university libraries.

Our bargaining team agreed to include Lori’s suggestion in our list of proposals, and Lori was asked to present the need for a salary selective to university management. After collecting a statewide survey of university Library Techs, Lori presented her case at the WOU bargaining sessions in April. Management asked several questions, which prompted a follow-up survey and second presentation by Lori to university management on June 1.

“For me, participation in our union activities is like voting,” said Lori. “If you don’t participate you don’t have the privilege of making comments. Our union, our local only works if we get involved.”