An Invitation to Join the Library of Congress Professional Guild

Dear Library Employee,

On behalf of the officers, stewards, and members of the Library of Congress Professional Guild, AFSCME Local 2910, we invite you to join our organization. Our union, also known as “the Guild,” represents professional employees at the Library except those working in the Congressional Research Service.

Our goal is to improve the work environment at the Library, and our achievements have helped to make the Library of Congress a great institution. Historically, Library of Congress employees have fallen behind our colleagues in the Executive Branch who can take advantage of Office of Personnel Management (OPM) policies and presidential executive orders. Through our collective bargaining agreements and legislative efforts, we have created a more dynamic and employee-friendly workplace that reflects the highest standards for federal employment and modern librarianship. On your behalf, we negotiate many aspects of your working conditions and professional development.

Compressed and flexible work schedules, credit hours, transit fare subsidy, telework, the leave-bank, the merit selection and promotion plan, career development and affirmative action programs, the Health and Safety Committee, the workplace ergonomics program, and the grievance procedure were all made possible at the Library through the initiative of the Library of Congress Professional Guild.

The Guild was founded at the Library in 1976. Experience over these years has shown us that employees need an advocate in today’s complex workplace. The Guild also knows that Library of Congress professionals want to participate, and have a voice in decisions, which affect their lives and careers. Thus, we work with our parent organization, AFSCME Council 26, the Capital Area Council of Federal Employees, to ensure that our efforts are successful in the workplace and in the halls of Congress. The Guild also promotes your interests at labor-management meetings and presents your concerns by testifying before the House Subcommittee on Legislative Branch Appropriations. We are especially proud of our Guild stewards who work in offices throughout the Library and volunteer to be there for you – listening to your concerns, giving advice, and, if necessary, serving as your advocate before management.

We keep our members informed through our email network and our printed newsletter, Vocal 2910. Guild business is conducted in regular membership meetings. Parties and social events provide opportunities for us to celebrate accomplishments and to get to know each other better. Our members often participate in special training sessions. The Guild also offers opportunities for members to join committees dealing with everything from food service to professional development. Guild representatives on Library committees receive official time to complete committee work assignments. These hard-working Guild members assume a great deal of responsibility at the Library and work cooperatively with management counterparts to carry out tasks. Dues-paying members are also entitled to excellent opportunities and fringe benefits outside the Library environment.

To join the Guild, please fill out Standard Form 1187, “Request for Payroll Deductions for Labor Organization Dues,” and forward it to your steward or to the Guild Office (mail stop 9994). You may also find a copy of this form on our website at www.guild2910.org. A packet of information about the full benefits and a membership card will be mailed to you as soon as you join.

If you have any questions about the Guild, please contact a steward (see enclosed list), call the Guild Office at 7-6493 or 7-1304, or stop by and see us. We are located in the Madison Building, Room G-41, across the hall from the Health Services Office. Stop by and pick up a copy of our current contract, Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Library of Congress and the Library of Congress Professional Guild, AFSCME Local 2910. It covers all the important topics, from soup to nuts, which may concern you and your career at the Library of Congress.

The Guild is your best friend at the Library. Please join and help us to help you.

Saul Schniderman, President

Jacqueline Coleburn, Executive Board Member for Membership