Massachusetts Public Library Trustees Handbook

It is the responsibility of the public library trustee to become informed of the legal rights of employees to organize and bargain collectively. The Massachusetts Public Employees Collective Bargaining Law (Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 150E) guarantees this right and is administered by the Massachusetts Labor Relations Commission.

Every library board should familiarize itself with the requirements of the Massachusetts Public Employees Collective Bargaining Law, whether its employees are unionized or not. If your employees are unionized, you must become aware of your duties and responsibilities under the law. If your employees are not unionized, the law may help you to understand what every employee has a right to expect. Get together with a neighboring library board or municipality to engage the services of a labor relations expert who can conduct a workshop to inform you of your duties and responsibilities under the law.

For more information regarding Massachusetts Public Employees Collective Bargaining Law, contact the Massachusetts Labor Relations Commission at (617) 727-3505. General information on workers' rights is available through the Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General, and can be viewed on their website at http://www.magnet.state.ma.us/ag.