Laid-off library staffers return
by Justin Sulsky
News Editor
News | 1/30/07
Posted online at 1:36 AM EST on 1/30/07
Two part-time library staffers laid off in November were recently re-hired to share the newly created position of resource sharing coordinator, according to Union Steward James Rosenbloom.
Nancy Mazur, 61, and Patty Shesgreen, 51, will work half-time in the position.
The employees were terminated in November, Mazur said, because Chief University Librarian Susan Wawrzaszek said she wanted to hire a full-time staff member in their place.
Now, Mazur and Shesgreen will share the position originally designated for one full-time employee.
The termination of the two interlibrary loan staffers outraged their colleagues, 25 of whom subsequently signed a petition protesting their "unfair and unethical dismissal."
The petitioners said the University violated its contract with Service Employees International Union Local 888 in the way they handled the employment terminations, an allegation University Provost Marty Krauss denied.
The two employees brought grievances to Library and Technology Services because they said it was improper to lay off two part-time employees to create a new full-time position that encompassed many of the same responsibilities, according to Rosenbloom.
"I felt pretty much like a criminal," Shesgreen said of the way her lay-off was handled in November. "We're not a corporation. They should have dignity and respect for their employees."
Rosenbloom said the University "obviously had a desire to settle the problem" and was pleased it worked out well for the staffers.
He said he, Mazur and Shesgreen could not discuss the details of a signed agreement with the administration.
The two staffers previously worked part-time 47 weeks a year, but have each been working half-time since January 2, with the expectation that they would work during the entire year according to a press release sent by Vice President for Human Resources Deb Gratto.
Vice Provost of LTS Perry Hanson said he could not comment on the matter, referring comments to the Human Resources press release.
LTS and the Union "are pleased to announce [the staffers] have accepted the University's offer to job-share the newly created, year-round Resource Sharing Coordinator position," the prepared statement said. "This new position will enable LTS to enhance the inter-library loan services it provides to students and faculty, while retaining two experienced and knowledgeable employees."
Shesgreen did not return calls seeking comment and Mazur said she could only confirm she is again working for the University, but could not comment further.
Nancy Mazur, 61, and Patty Shesgreen, 51, will work half-time in the position.
The employees were terminated in November, Mazur said, because Chief University Librarian Susan Wawrzaszek said she wanted to hire a full-time staff member in their place.
Now, Mazur and Shesgreen will share the position originally designated for one full-time employee.
The termination of the two interlibrary loan staffers outraged their colleagues, 25 of whom subsequently signed a petition protesting their "unfair and unethical dismissal."
The petitioners said the University violated its contract with Service Employees International Union Local 888 in the way they handled the employment terminations, an allegation University Provost Marty Krauss denied.
The two employees brought grievances to Library and Technology Services because they said it was improper to lay off two part-time employees to create a new full-time position that encompassed many of the same responsibilities, according to Rosenbloom.
"I felt pretty much like a criminal," Shesgreen said of the way her lay-off was handled in November. "We're not a corporation. They should have dignity and respect for their employees."
Rosenbloom said the University "obviously had a desire to settle the problem" and was pleased it worked out well for the staffers.
He said he, Mazur and Shesgreen could not discuss the details of a signed agreement with the administration.
The two staffers previously worked part-time 47 weeks a year, but have each been working half-time since January 2, with the expectation that they would work during the entire year according to a press release sent by Vice President for Human Resources Deb Gratto.
Vice Provost of LTS Perry Hanson said he could not comment on the matter, referring comments to the Human Resources press release.
LTS and the Union "are pleased to announce [the staffers] have accepted the University's offer to job-share the newly created, year-round Resource Sharing Coordinator position," the prepared statement said. "This new position will enable LTS to enhance the inter-library loan services it provides to students and faculty, while retaining two experienced and knowledgeable employees."
Shesgreen did not return calls seeking comment and Mazur said she could only confirm she is again working for the University, but could not comment further.
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