Why Librarians and Library Workers in Central Ohio are Forming Unions

Libraries are essential infrastructure in our communities, providing information, entertainment, and public services. 

In order to meet the needs of our patrons and to set standards that allow us to recruit and retain highly skilled staff, librarians and library workers need a voice. We also need and deserve fair treatment and job security. 

That’s why library workers in Central Ohio — across multiple library systems — are coming together to build their union and have a voice at work. 

Interested in learning more? Email Andrea Canini, Organizing Director for the Ohio Federation of Teachers at: acanini@oft-aft.org

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“We organized our union because libraries operate better when the staff who work most directly with the community are able to contribute input on important decisions. Even though we are still in the negotiations process for our first union contract, we’ve already seen positive changes. 

First, after we won our union we became entitled to “Weingarten rights.” These guarantee that any union member has the right to representation from a union representative in meetings that could result in disciplinary action. This helps staff feel less alone, because instead of having to advocate for ourselves individually, we have the backing of the union we formed.
Second, staff are now much less afraid of retaliation. We feel empowered to speak our minds and give input on library policies that impact not just us, but also our patrons. 

Many of us realized that, to do right by our community, we had to be brave enough to not cave to a culture of fear. We had to be brave enough to stand together and make our library the best version of itself. That is why we formed our union.” 

— Becca, Library Associate at Worthington Libraries

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“Since we have won our union, communication within our library has improved. The process of bargaining our contract — which involves a committee of union members sitting across the table from administration — has opened up many conversations that will benefit the library. Each side can identify priorities and work toward an agreement that is beneficial to our entire library community.”

— Coleman, Librarian at Worthington Libraries

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"We formed our union earlier this year and we’re excited to get to the bargaining table and negotiate policies that will attract and retain excellent staff members. This includes making sure that salary levels are fair and recognize the experience we bring to our jobs — especially when that experience is from within our own library.” 
— Jennifer, Grandview Heights Public Library

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