NELSONVILLE, Ohio — Athens County Public Libraries staff will have their union recognized by the ACPL board — after a few changes are made to the bargaining unit.

At Thursday’s emergency meeting, the libraries board met in executive session for roughly 30 minutes to discuss the union proposal. The union has broad support among library staff, with 72% of eligible employees filling out union cards according to the initial press release announcing the unionization effort.

After returning from executive session, the board announced that it would recognize the union, but wanted to negotiate changes — specifically, who can join the union.

The board noted that several positions listed as part of the proposed bargaining unit either didn’t exist or were inaccurately titled. The board’s resolution on the union states that “the Library has further changes it would like to make therein.”

“We fully support and respect the wishes of our staff and are working through the legal process to move us towards finalization of the recognition process,” libraries Director Nick Tepe said in an email to the Independent.  

In response to the board’s decision, the union organizing committee released a statement thanking the board for agreeing to recognize the union. 

“Voluntary recognition of our union allows us to immediately begin working collaboratively with our Board and administration on a fair union contract and on other shared priorities, like building support for our levy in this year’s election,” the statement read. “Most importantly, voluntary recognition of our union is a clear statement to the community that ACPL staff, administration, and Board members are united to provide the highest quality libraries and resources to our patrons.”

The special meeting did not allow public comment.

The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the Athens Public Library, 30 Home St.