For Immediate Release

Contact: Nick Voutsinos
Email: nvoutsinos@afscme.org

AFSCME’s Saunders: National Library Workers Day comes on the heels of new organizing across the country

WASHINGTON – AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement recognizing National Library Workers Day on April 9, 2024: 

“Libraries are the heart of our communities. They are one of the only spaces where people of all backgrounds can freely learn a new skill, get lost in a book, use the internet or simply find time for themselves. But a steady stream of crises – from the opioid epidemic and COVID-19 to extremist book bans and staffing shortages – have put immense pressure on library workers. They are fighting back, using their voice on the job to keep these essential community centers open. 

 

“AFSCME members at the Daniel Boone Regional Library system started off 2024 by winning a historic contract including dramatic pay raises, 12 weeks of paid family leave and other benefits that will help recruit more qualified individuals to this honorable career path. And in Colorado, Jefferson County Public Library workers made history with AFSCME by organizing the first union under the state’s new collective bargaining law for county employees.  

 

“Worker momentum within our nation’s libraries continues to grow, and with community support behind them, there are no signs of it slowing down. This National Library Workers Day, we honor the workers who foster safe spaces for people to learn, grow and create.” 

###

AFSCME’s 1.4 million members provide the vital services that make America happen. With members in communities across the nation, serving in hundreds of different occupations — from nurses to corrections officers, childcare providers to sanitation workers — AFSCME advocates for fairness in the workplace, excellence in public services and freedom and opportunity for all working families. 

AFSCME’s 1.4 million members provide the vital services that make America happen. With members in communities across the nation, serving in hundreds of different occupations — from nurses to corrections officers, child care providers to sanitation workers — AFSCME advocates for fairness in the workplace, excellence in public services and freedom and opportunity for all working families.

###
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO
1625 L Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036-5687
Telephone: (202) 429-1145
Fax: (202) 429-1120

Recent Press Releases

  • Who turned the Knicks championship into a celebration? AFSCME members, that’s who

    AFSCME members made sure New York was ready to celebrate the Knicks’ historic championship.

  • One year after the ‘Big Beautiful Bill,’ what’s next is up to us

    When we stand together, we decide what our collective future looks like. 

  • AFSCME members who keep Ohio theater running ratify first contract unanimously

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – After a unanimous vote, workers at Gateway Film Center in Columbus ratified their first union contract this month. This victory comes after Gateway Film…

  • Corrections staff pass vote of no confidence in NM warden, seek his replacement

    AFSCME corrections officers who work at a New Mexico prison are demanding that the county remove the warden.