UC-AFT Advice on Library Winter Closures

Winter holiday library closures have become more common in recent years, and represented librarians should be aware of the full range of options they have in responding to closures. 

Some key points:

• represented librarians do not have to take vacation time during holiday closures, and have a guaranteed right to request alternate work arrangements

• the represented librarians contract (the MOU) provides for this

• interested librarians will need to formulate a work plan and submit it for approval

Article 21.B.4
​During holiday closures librarians who are not required to work may use vacation, take leave without pay, or request alternative work arrangements.  

--The last part of this clause is italicized because the official announcements issued by campus administrator may not include any reference to the possibility of alternative work arrangements, leaving librarians with the impression that this is not an option.  However, it definitely is an option, as can be easily verified by a quick check of the appropriate part of the contract.

Here's some sample language you can use to request alternative work arrangements:

“Under Article 21, B.4 and Article 3.A of the Librarian MOU, I request alternative work arrangements on the following dates during the holiday closure,  [DATES]. I will perform the following work on these days: [SUMMARIZE WORK TO BE PERFORMED]. Please let me know if you need any more information, and thank you for considering this request.”

--Note that the request includes a specific reference to the appropriate clause of the contract

--Note that the request offers a the work to be performed and a rationale for the need for alternative work arrangements, which, for example, may include:

• the need for work time to prepare for a presentation at an upcoming conference

• working on a project to report to a committee in a professional association

• preparing material for instructional sessions  (these are often held at the beginning of an academic term,  thus requiring prompt attention)

• composing, editing, or proofreading written material intended for publication, or about to be published

• work related to a committee or task force assignment

• research or writing related to preparing a grant proposal

• work related to any of a range of the other professional development activities specifically recognized by the librarians' contract, such as research or other creative activity