Protects the right of employees, upon request, to have their representative present during an interview that the employee reasonably believes could lead to discipline. Managers are not required to inform or remind you of this right prior to the start of the meeting. Please contact a Board member for a card with your Weingarten rights to keep in your wallet or desk. Click here for more information.

Member Resources

Weingarten Rights

“If this discussion could lead in any way to me being disciplined or terminated, or affect my personal working condition, I respectfully request that my union representative, officer, or steward be present at this meeting. Without union representation, I choose not to answer any questions.”

If you believe a meeting you are in is, or may turn, disciplinary in nature, say the following:

Important Documents

We are currently working with the City to create and approve a fully integrated contract. Memorandum’s of Agreement (MOA) are used to update or change the language in the original Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). You will need to cross reference the MOA’s with the CBA in order to have the most up-to-date language around a topic. We will update this page as soon as we have an integrated CBA. We also think the current set-up is terrible and not easily utilized! Please reach out to your Branch or Department Representative or the general email with any questions.

Current Contract & MOA’s

2026-2027 MOA: Contains information about October 2026/January 2027 pay raises and extends our agreement through September 30, 2027.

2026-2027 MOA: Most recent updates to contract language around pay raises, the Compensation Grade Appeal process, anti-discrimination language, the Extended Sick Leave Fund, and more.

2020-2023 MOA: Information about raises, updates to the MBTA pass program, expansion of bereavement leave to all bargaining unit members, addition of 1 day of leave per year for cancer screenings, updated grievance procedure, and more.

2017-2020 MOA: Updates to language concerning Leaves of Absence (both with and without pay) including language around parental leave. Changes to language around vacancies and hiring. Pay raises for the duration of the MOA as well as the change to biweekly pay are also included.

2016-2017 MOA: Pay raises and extends the 2013-2016 MOA through September 30, 2017.

2010-2013 MOA: Amendments to language around hours of work and overtime, inclusion of part-time employees in the bargaining unit, additional swing holidays for members hired prior to January 2014, new language for PTO accrual and leaves of absence for members of the military, and more.

2013-2016 MOA: Pay raises and extends the 2010-2013 MOA through September 30, 2016.

2007-2010 MOA: Information about the City’s contribution to the health insurance program, addition of language around opting-out of one of the City’s sponsored health insurance plans, removal of written and oral disciplinary notices from employee personnel files, and more.

2006-2007 MOA: Inclusion of employee eligibility for the Federal Family Leave and Medical Act and extension of the duration of the contract.

This document outlines the principles and foundations by which our union is governed. This document was last updated on March 28, 2025.

This document outlines salary grades and steps for our members. Members receive yearly step increases on the anniversary of their hire date for their current position. The current pay scale can also be found on the City’s website.

Pay Scale

Our contract allows for a certain amount of annual leave (or vacation) to be carried over year to year. If you have more hours than you can carryover, you must submit a carryover request, in writing, to Human Resources. Please note that HR is not obligated to approve your request and have, in fact, made it clear that they will not approve any requests outside of time denied due to “operational need.” Please be sure to use your annual leave prior to December 31 each year so you do not lose any time!

AFT-MA Benefits

PSA is affiliated with the umbrella union American Federation of Teachers. AFT represents educators as well as other professionals in school and higher education, healthcare professionals, public employees, and more. Learn more about them and a full-list of benefits offered to members here.

Enjoy discounts on hotel bookings, airfare through Southwest Airlines, car rentals, theme parks, shopping, and more.

Access and discounts for auto, home, life, pet, and long term care insurances as well as trauma counseling and more.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness is a federal program for people who work full time in the public sector. Almost every AFT member is eligible for this program! AFT also offers regular debt clinics that you can register for here.

Access to mortgage programs, discounts on moving truck rentals, and more.

Access to personal loans, credit and budget counseling, assistance with personal legal matters, and more.

Other Resources

Created by our Communications Committee, this guide explains union basics, protections, and benefits specific to PSA. It also includes a guide to common phrases and vocabulary used by the union. Read or download this document here.

Welcome to PSA Guide

Created by our Communications Committee, this guide is designed to help new hires navigate their employment here at BPL, especially within the first six months. Read or download this document here.

Welcome to BPL Guide

The NLRB is an independent federal agency designed to safeguard employees’ right to a better workplace. You can learn more about the NLRB here and more about the rights they safeguard here.

National Labor Relations Board

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

OSHA was created by Congress in 1970 to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for workers by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance. Learn more about what OSHA does here and find information about our local office here.

Massachusetts Library Staff Association (MLSA)

The Massachusetts Library Staff Association is a local of AFT, representing over 500 library staff across Massachusetts. PSA is a member of MLSA Local 4928. Learn more about MLSA and how they help to support our union efforts here.