Memphis Librarians Fight to Join CWA

On Tuesday, Memphis library workers testified before the city council on why they should be allowed the same worker protections as other civil servants, including first responders and educators.

Under Executive Order 133, issued in 1984, library workers are classified as “appointed employees.” They seek to change that designation to “civil service employees,” enabling them to form a union and negotiate contracts, which could lead to greater transparency in hiring and firing, fairer grievance procedures, and greater stability in the public library system. The current designation leaves workers vulnerable to politically-influenced employment decisions.

Library workers have been organizing to join CWA for months and already have 60 percent of the workforce signed up in favor of the union. In a display of solidarity, allies at the meeting included members of CWA Local 3866, the AFL-CIO Memphis & West Tennessee Central Labor Council, Memphis for ALL, Abyssinian Missionary Baptist Church, Democratic Socialist Alliance, and the Sesame Workers Union.

“Library workers are essential to our communities, but in Memphis, we’re denied the basic job protections other public servants receive,” said Alexandra Farmer. “It's time for City leadership to correct this. We’re urging them to change our status and grant us the rights and security we deserve.”

Community members and other city workers are calling on Mayor Paul Young to take action. However, the path forward remains unclear. Mayor Young may be able to rescind the executive order, but if not, the change could require a public vote.

Library workers and other unrepresented city employees faced a similar dilemma last year in Denver, Colo., where the issue went to a public vote. Workers won an overwhelming victory last November, paving the way for the formation of unions.

 
Librarians in the Memphis Public Library System testified before city council this week in favor of changing their status with the city from “appointed employees” to “civil service employees” and opening a path toward union protections.

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This post originally appeared on cwa-union.org.