Wages Article Settlement

Howard County Library System (HCLS) and Howard County Library Workers United (HCLWU), part of AFSCME Local 6359, are pleased to announce a settlement concerning the Wages article of their collective bargaining agreement for Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027. After an arbitration hearing and submission of briefs but before the arbitrator issued his ruling, both parties worked out a settlement that includes a six percent cost of living (COLA) increase for FY26 for the AFSMCE represented bargaining unit, retroactive to July 1, 2025.

Megan Royden, President of AFSCME Local 6359, acknowledges “it was a challenging journey getting here but thanks to the strength, unity and commitment of our members, we have been able to reach an agreement on wages. We are hopeful that this will move our ongoing partnership with library leadership down the road of collaboration, communication, and mutual understanding. This settlement is a well-deserved sign of respect and recognition for the essential work our members do every day. Our Union remains focused on protecting our members, upholding their rights, and ensuring they have the support they need to continue to serve the community with excellence.”

Rob Mentz, Chair of the Board of Trustees, noted, “On behalf of the Library Board of Trustees, I extend our sincere appreciation to HCLS leadership and HCLWU for their dedicated work in reaching a wage agreement. We are grateful for the many hours invested by both negotiating teams. As we continue to navigate challenging economic conditions, the Board remains committed to responsible budgeting that supports our dedicated staff and serves our community. We look forward to continued collaboration as we move ahead together in delivering exceptional service.”