Common use of Automation Clause in Contracts

Automation. The application and use of automation technology are integral to the services and work of the Library. Decisions as to how and where automation technology is applied and used in the Library affect, and in turn are affected by, the flow and organization of work, as well as budget, service, and collection needs and requirements. The planning and decision-making process, while varying from situation to situation, resides primarily with the Library Administration. Management recognizes that the work and working conditions of all Library staff are affected by its decisions regarding the application and use of automation technology and, therefore, seeks to involve staff as much as possible when planning for automation-related changes. Throughout the term of the contract, the Library Administration and the bargaining unit staff will seek to identify situations and opportunities which allow the bargaining unit staff to contribute views and ideas which may assist in planning and problem solving as it relates to the application and use of automation technology in the Library. Should the Library Administration decide to automate any work or services currently performed by employees in the bargaining unit, or to technologically migrate or upgrade any automated systems or equipment used by employees in the bargaining unit, the Library Administration will make every effort to communicate with the Union as early as possible in the decision-making process, so that the Union may contribute its views and ideas toward the final decision. Such communication between the Library Administration and the Union will allow both parties to discuss, as early as possible, the consequences for the affected bargaining unit employee(s) and position(s). If the Library Administration judges that it is not appropriate or possible to communicate with the Union about an automation technology change prior to making its final decision, the Library Administration will notify the Union of the proposed automation technology change no later than 30 working days before it is implemented. The Library Administration and the Union will then meet to discuss the consequences for the affected bargaining unit employee(s) and position(s). If the automation (or automation-related change) will eliminate any positions from the bargaining unit, every effort will be made to offer the affected employee(s) positions in the bargaining unit comparable to the one(s) held at the time their work and services are automated, with the intention to avoid layoffs or demotions.

Automation. The application and use of automation technology are integral to the services and work of the Library. Decisions as to how and where automation technology is applied and used in the Library affect, and in turn are affected by, the flow and organization of work, as well as budget, service, and collection needs and requirements. The planning and decision-making process, while varying from situation to situation, resides primarily with the Library Administration. Management recognizes that the work and working conditions of all Library staff are affected by its decisions regarding the application and use of automation technology and, therefore, seeks to involve staff as much as possible when planning for automation-automation related changes. Throughout the term of the contract, the Library Administration and the bargaining unit staff will seek to identify situations and opportunities which allow the bargaining unit staff to contribute views and ideas which may assist in planning and problem solving as it relates to the application and use of automation technology in the Library. Should the Library Administration decide to automate any work or services currently performed by employees in the bargaining unit, or to technologically migrate or upgrade any automated systems or equipment used by employees in the bargaining unit, the Library Administration will make every effort to communicate with the Union as early as possible in the decision-making process, so that the Union may contribute its views and ideas toward the final decision. Such communication between the Library Administration and the Union will allow both parties to discuss, as early as possible, the consequences for the affected bargaining unit employee(s) and position(s). If the Library Administration judges that it is not appropriate or possible to communicate with the Union about an automation technology change prior to making its final decision, the Library Administration will notify the Union of the proposed automation technology change no later than 30 working days before it is implemented. The Library Administration and the Union will then meet to discuss the consequences for the affected bargaining unit employee(s) and position(s). If the automation (or automation-related change) will eliminate any positions from the bargaining unit, every effort will be made to offer the affected employee(s) positions in the bargaining unit comparable to the one(s) held at the time their work and services are automated, with the intention to avoid layoffs or demotions.