Boulder Public Library Workers Announce Union Campaign!
Today, workers at the Boulder Public Library District announced they are organizing a union with AFSCME Colorado.
Workers are asking the Library Board to grant them collective bargaining rights and once they do so, voluntarily recognize the union.
Should the administration refuse either of these requests, workers are ready to fight for their rights. And they are confident of winning a union election.
For now, workers will to organize and gather signatures on union cards. They look forward to continuing the conversation with the administration.
Boulder Public Library workers say having a union will give them better job security and a voice on issues that matter to them and to the public.
“Libraries are public institutions, model institutions of democracy, and we want to democratize our workplace,” said Christine Burke, a volunteer program coordinator. “Our community deserves strong, protected libraries into the future, and the best way to ensure that is to make sure library workers are strong and protected too.”
Before the Boulder Public Library District was created, staff had union representation and collective bargaining rights as city employees.
“When we separated from the city, library staff went from having a union with collective bargaining rights to being at-will employees with benefits that could be modified at any time without notice,” said Michael Serrano, a custodian. “A union restores our voice and a seat at the table in decisions which directly impact library workers — people who provide essential services in and for our community.”
Scroll down to read the full letter workers wrote announcing their union campaign . Make sure to stay up date on the progress of the campaign and take advantage of opportunities to support these workers.
Dear Colleagues,
We the workers of Boulder Public Library District are coming together to organize a union with the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees. We’re organizing because our community deserves great public libraries. Together in our union, we can ensure our library remains an essential community resource. With a strong union for everyone working at the library, we will honor the culture of community and democracy that the Boulder Public Library District is built on.
Prior to the establishment of the Boulder Public Library District, we had a union and collective bargaining rights. Library workers lost those rights when the library district separated from the City. We suddenly became at-will employees and without a voice, the workers who provide these crucial services are in a more precarious position. Without those protections, the staff has had to advocate for adequate support and resources in order to maintain quality services.
We’re coming together to codify protections with the backing of a union to ensure our needs, benefits, and collective voice are protected in the future. A majority of library workers agree: as workers who provide crucial services to our district, we are eager to contribute to the continued improvement of the district by regaining our union rights.
Through our union we look to accomplish the following:
- Maintenance of exceptional public services
- Increased worker retention and satisfaction
- A worker voice in all important decisions and policies going forward as the District continues to grow and establish itself
- Better communication between workers and administration to reach resolution more quickly and effectively
- A legacy of inclusion and democracy at Boulder Public Libraries going forward
We hope the Boulder Public Library Administration finds common cause in these efforts and recognizes how a union will ensure our Library District is a model in our community of democracy in action..
It takes all of us to build a powerful union and everyone must be part of the conversation. We are strongest when we work together. Join us in leading the library to a place where our actions reflect our values and staff feel protected and supported.
We would love to hear from you! Please reach out to any of us with questions.
In solidarity,
Boulder Public Library District Organizing Committee