AFSCME Library Summit in Seattle Focuses on Health and Safety Issues

In Seattle, a significant gathering took place on November 15, drawing nearly 100 members from 17 different library systems throughout the Pacific Northwest. This event, known as the AFSCME Council 2 Library Summit, aimed to tackle pressing health and safety issues that library workers face daily.

AFSCME President Lee Saunders emphasized the summit's importance through a video message, describing it as a “unique opportunity for AFSCME library workers throughout the Pacific Northwest to learn from each other and build stronger bonds of solidarity.” This initiative reflects Council 2's efforts, which now include representation in nearly every public library system in Washington state. Similar organizing energy is seen with Oregon AFSCME (Council 75) and the Washington Federation of State Employees (AFSCME Council 28).

Library workers today are increasingly facing budget constraints and cuts to public services. Saunders highlighted these challenges: “It all makes for extremely difficult working conditions, with your economic security and even your physical safety threatened. The way we fight back is by educating, organizing and mobilizing every single day. That’s what this gathering is all about.”

The Central Role of Libraries

Libraries serve as crucial community hubs, offering not just access to books but also vital services like language learning, legal advice, job search assistance, internet access, and children's programming. They are essential community anchors, providing a safe and welcoming environment for all.

Kim Larson, vice president of AFSCME Local 73 and a Sno-Isle Regional Library staff member, has dedicated 25 years to library services, motivated by the desire to ensure community access to important resources. Larson, a member of the Council 2 Library Caucus, helped shape the summit's focus.

Larson remarked, “I work in libraries because it is a delight to spend my days making sure important services are accessible to everyone in my community.” However, she acknowledged that library workers often face unexpected roles akin to social work, healthcare, or security without proper training, leading to potential workplace hazards.

The summit aimed to provide a platform for workers to discuss these challenges and how they affect them. “To hear others relating all the same experiences shattered any sense of isolation,” Larson explained. “We now know that we can have a unified voice, support one another and take action together to make change.”

Empowering Through Education

Workshops at the summit covered a wide array of topics, including workers' rights under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, identifying occupational hazards, and exploring solutions through bargaining, organizing, and advocacy.

These sessions equipped participants with practical tools and strategies to address health and safety issues collaboratively. Attendees left the summit feeling inspired to advocate for improved conditions, recognizing that enhancing workplace safety strengthens their union.

Larson noted the value of the summit: “I feel so much more informed about ways to advocate for health and safety for our members, both as issues arise and in crafting our next CBA.” She believes this shared experience will foster a stronger sense of community and purpose among her local members.

AFSCME Cultural Workers United is at the forefront of efforts to organize library employees and other cultural institution workers nationwide. With over 50,000 members in museums, zoos, libraries, and similar entities, it is the largest union of its kind.