Jefferson County Library Workers Deliver 500+ Petition Signatures Against Dress Code Proposal

At a the Jefferson County Library board meeting on July 17th, workers delivered undeniable proof that the workers have the community’s support as they negotiate their first union contract with library management.

Last month, dozens of library workers, patrons, and community allies packed a board meeting to speak out against a proposed dress code that would ban staff from wearing Pride pins, Black History Month buttons, and other messages of inclusion. The policy, introduced during contract negotiations would prohibit staff from wearing any text on clothing, lanyards, or buttons, unless it’s an official county logo.

Instead of listening, board members dismissed the turnout. One even claimed that more than 50 supporters wasn’t a “significant” showing from the community. 

So, library workers got to work to prove them wrong.

This month, staff put together a petition and circulated it among the community, asking them to sign to show they stand with staff against this dress code proposal. In just a few weeks, more than 500 community members signed on in support, with more signing online every day.

At yesterday’s board meeting, staff delivered the signatures as cold, hard proof that the public overwhelmingly supports library workers and their right to express solidarity with marginalized communities.

JeffCo library workers are fighting for a contract that reflects the mission of public libraries: to be safe, welcoming, and inclusive for everyone. If the board truly believes in those values, they’ll drop this proposal for good, especially now that it’s undeniably clear that the community has their back.

Workers return to the bargaining table again next month.