SJCPL AFSCME
Why Unionize?
A Real Voice at Work
We want staff to have a real say in the decisions that affect our day-to-day work, our departments, and the quality of service we provide. A union gives us a collective voice and a seat at the table.
Fair and Transparent Discipline
Discipline should never feel arbitrary, unclear, or inconsistent. We are pushing for a fair, open process with clear expectations, consistent standards, and basic due process for every employee.
Fair Pay and Reliable Benefits
Staff deserve pay and benefits that reflect the value of our work and the rising cost of living. We are pushing for fair wages, strong benefits, and automatic cost-of-living adjustments so staff are not left falling behind year after year.
A Safer Workplace for Staff and Patrons
Library staff are often expected to handle unclear, unpredictable, and potentially dangerous situations without enough support, guidance, or protection. We need clear safety procedures, consistent backing from administration, and a workplace where staff can raise concerns without fear of retaliation.
"I’m unionizing because I love the library, and in order to protect what our library stands for, we need a strong and supported staff with a voice!"
- SJCPL Worker of 5 Years
"I support a union because it gives my coworkers protections against unfair treatment at work. It also mandates communication between admin and their employees. Giving us as staff a voice and the chance to make the library somewhere we actually want to work.
- SJCPL Worker of 5 Years
"SJCPL staff care deeply about our work and the library’s mission. We are the most knowledgeable about our positions, but are rarely consulted about changes that impact us, our patrons, and our workflows. Regardless of who is in charge, pulling together through a union gives us a prominent voice in policies that affect us."
- SJCPL Worker of 10+ Years
SJCPL workers formed an organizing committee to talk with coworkers, answer questions, and build support.
Signing a card shows support for forming a union and helps us demonstrate that a majority of staff want one.
Once enough workers have signed cards, we can seek official recognition of our union.
Recognition can happen through voluntary recognition by the Library Board or through a secret ballot election.
After recognition, SJCPL union members democratically choose who will represent them in negotiations.
Union members decide what issues matter most, including pay, benefits, safety, discipline, and working conditions.
SJCPL worker representatives and AFSCME representatives negotiate with administration for a fair agreement.
Once a tentative agreement is reached, union members vote on whether to approve it.
