Members of one of NYSUT's new local unions representing library staff won a solid first contract that sets the groundwork for future success.

Members of the Riverhead Free Library Association in Suffolk County have a new one-year agreement that helps address issues that have been long-term concerns for the staff.

Their new contract brings them a 3.1 percent raise, retroactive to July 1. Veteran employees who hit the 15-, 20- and 25-year marks will receive newly enhanced longevity payments.

A $3,500 health insurance buyout is now available. Disparities in leave time and benefits for part-timers and full-timers were addressed.

Working conditions were improved. A clearer schedule and a more defined workday are now in the contract. Workers will not lose pay because of inclement weather closings.

They also gained an important protection for fair treatment with the right to binding arbitration for suspensions and terminations.

"The members passed the agreement 35 to 4," said the local's president, Linda Nelson. "Everyone is anxious to make more economic progress but we are very pleased with the benefit improvements."

NYSUT President Dick Iannuzzi has described libraries as "one of the most important pieces of the educational mosaic."

Staff traditionally have been underpaid in public libraries, because of chronic underfunding.

The contract is an example of a new partnership between NYSUT and the 4,000-member New York Library Association. Under the new affiliation, NYSUT works closely with NYLA to advance legislation, win better funding and bring better pay and benefits to public library staff.

New York's 13 Special Acts schools, located on the grounds of residential child-care facilities licensed by the state, primarily serve students with severe emotional and behavioral issues. Many of the students are victims of abuse or are dealing with severe social maladjustments.

The Little Flower School in Wading River, Suffolk County, serves more than 100 students with these conditions.

In negotiations for a new contract, the local union, led by William Glasshagel, addressed workplace and benefit issues that contribute to a better environment for these specialized educators.

Faculty meetings now will take place during school time, with students dismissed early. A new family bereavement provision was added and sick days were increased. Sick-day sell-back days were increased, and the formula for calculating them was improved.

"We will continue our efforts to improve the wages and working conditions of our members in Special Act schools," said NYSUT's executive director, Pauline Kinsella.

"Their dedication to their special-needs students should be matched by contracts that meet their needs."