Boulder Library Workers Move Closer to Union Rights with Key Vote

Progress Towards Unionization for Boulder Public Library Employees

In a significant move towards unionization, the Boulder Public Library system in Colorado has seen a unanimous decision by its board to approve a framework for collective bargaining. This step is pivotal for the employees seeking full union rights.

Library workers expressed their enthusiasm through a statement: “Workers at the Boulder Public Library are excited to be one step closer to having a seat at the table. We thank the board for voting … to approve a fair collective bargaining framework that will allow us to improve Boulder's libraries and the essential public services we proudly provide to this community.”

This approval follows extensive organizing efforts by library staff, who have been advocating for the security and backing a union contract provides. Their aim is to gain a substantial voice in the operations of the library system to better serve the Boulder community. More information is available here.

Karen Bowen, the adult literacy program coordinator at Boulder Public Library and a member of the organizing committee, emphasized the collaborative nature of the library's workforce. “These librarians are the folks in the trenches, along with our custodial staff, tech staff, accounting — everyone is part of this system that is working so tightly together,” she stated. “We have the capacity at the ground level to see how our functions interrelate and bring that experience back to leadership and management and help make it all better for the public.”

The Boulder Public Library District Board of Trustees made this decision on April 21, aligning it with the celebration of National Library Workers’ Day. Further details can be found here.

As the process progresses, an independent third party is set to confirm that a majority of library workers are in favor of the union. A subsequent vote will then officially recognize the union.

Currently, the movement has garnered significant support, with a supermajority of the eligible library staff in Boulder signing cards to form a union under AFSCME Colorado.

Nationwide, over 50,000 employees in libraries, museums, and cultural institutions have successfully gained a voice at their workplaces through the AFSCME Cultural Workers United campaign.