If
you examine an old journal in the library at the New York Law School, youll
probably find the fingerprints of Library Assistant Egbert Isaacs.
He
oversees the binding of periodicals stored at the library, which has four floors
and more than 450,000 volumes.
I like to interact with the staff,
students and faculty, said Mr. Isaacs, whose responsibilities also include
helping people track down publications and books. I enjoy answering questions
and helping them find material.
An 11-year employee of the law
school, Mr. Isaacs worked his way up to his current post after starting out as
an assistant in the mailroom.
Mr. Isaacs said patrons sometimes feel
bewildered and frustrated when they are looking for material. They appreciate
the help of the four Library Assistants.
Some students might not
like to look around, so I guide them to where they can find the material,
he said.
Mr. Isaacs was a lead organizer of the workers successful
organizing drive for union representation by DC 37 in 1996, and now he chairs
the New York Law School Chapter of Local 154. Members felt they were denied
straightforward wage increases and dignity, Mr. Isaacs said.
The
union has helped the more than 30 workers in the bargaining unit improve their
benefits, Mr. Isaacs said. Rather than being based on a phony merit pay system,
where raises really depended upon favoritism, wage increases are now given across
the board, he said. The union has brought us a voice, Mr. Isaacs said.