Posts tagged library
Liberty Justice Center Sues Brooklyn Library Union Over Compulsory Dues
September 28, 2026 // The Liberty Justice Center filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of Brooklyn Public Library employee Jeffrey A. Schwartz, challenging the requirement that he pay union dues as a condition of his employment. In Schwartz v. Brooklyn Library Guild, Local 1482, AFL-CIO et al., the Liberty Justice Center represents Schwartz, a Government Documents Librarian at the Brooklyn Public Library (BPL). The lawsuit challenges the continued deduction of union dues from his wages by BPL and Local 1482. It alleges that the arrangement is unconstitutional because the City of New York is so deeply entwined with BPL’s governance—especially with respect to employee pay and benefits—that BPL’s actions are fairly attributable to the government. As a result, the lawsuit argues, BPL employees are entitled to the same First Amendment protections as other public employees.
Cleveland Public Library union employees delay strike
August 24, 2026 // In July, union members signaled they would strike if they couldn’t reach agreement with the library by noon today. The public library recently announced preparations to dial back access to neighborhood branches while still allowing patrons to request books and pick them up curbside. The library, which is governed by a board, sent an email to library cardholders last week noting that the state reduced its funding in the last budget cycle by $2.24 million. The email said that it sought to balance its stewardship of its facilities, collections and community programs with support for workers, which included $5.5 million in wage increases.
Columbus Metropolitan Library workers begin union vote
June 18, 2026 // Columbus Metropolitan Library employees begin voting on Tuesday to decide whether to unionize. The vote is scheduled to take place by mail from June 16 through June 30, with votes counted on July 7. The election comes after an estimated 600 eligible employees signed authorization cards in support of a vote to create a union. The employees would be represented by the Ohio Federation of Teachers.
Columbus Metropolitan Library faces union busting allegations as June vote approaches
April 9, 2026 // "CML is aware of the charges, and we believe they have no merit. We look forward to demonstrating that lack of merit to the State Employment Relations Board, which will ultimately make a determination on OFT's claims," the statement said. The statement said CML respects the rights of our employees who are for or against unionization and continue to comply with the law. The statement also touted what it calls competitive wages for all employees, a comprehensive benefits package and paid time off. "Our compensation and benefits serve as a benchmark for libraries in our region and throughout Ohio," the statement said.
Some employees at Columbus Metropolitan Library want to unionize
November 20, 2025 // Some employees at the Columbus Metropolitan Library are working to unionize about 600 workers. The Ohio Federation of Teachers is the union the employees would join. Their aim is to improve wages, paid time off and increase safety for library employees.
Frederick County Public Libraries employees seek to unionize
November 12, 2025 // The push to unionize stems from employees’ desire to participate in the FCPL decision-making process, according to a press release from AFSCME, which is the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees.
Philly strike updates: Negotiations to resume as trash piles up; city worker charged in tire-slashing incident
July 2, 2025 // DC 33 worker charged with vandalism for slashing PGW tractor tires A Philadelphia Parks and Recreation employee and member of District Council 33 has been charged with slashing the tire of a Philadelphia Gas Works digger loader amid the municipal worker strike, police said.
Salt Lake City librarians officially unionize, but likely referendum to determine next steps
May 5, 2025 // Ninety-two percent of Salt Lake City librarians voted to unionize, joining AFSCME Local 1004. A new state law, HB267, bans public sector collective bargaining agreements. A likely referendum on the bill will determine the future of public union negotiations in 2026.
LA County prepares libraries for strike this week
April 29, 2025 // The SEIU has 55,000 members across all public sectors of L.A. County, according to its website. The union claims the county has repeatedly violated labor laws and failed to bargain in good faith on issues including a cost-of-living increase and health insurance.
Salt Lake City reaches budget agreement with police union before new bill kicks in
April 22, 2025 // Groups opposed to the new law say they've gathered over 320,000 signatures to put it up for a referendum on next year's ballot. As of Friday, at least 33,000 of the signatures have been verified toward the qualifying requirement of about 141,000 signatures, which also includes a certain number of signatures in 15 of the state's 29 Senate districts.