Boulder Public Library Workers Announce Union Campaign!

Today, workers at Boulder Public Library officially announced their union campaign. Workers are coming together for better pay, benefits, a voice on the job, and exceptional library services. 

Read their letter announcing their union campaign below:

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