“Libraries are a Vital Resource During Economic Downturn”

Washington, D.C. — Gerald W. McEntee, President of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), AFL-CIO, today called for increased funding for the nation’s libraries, noting their importance to communities and workers coping with the downturn in the national economy.

“Our libraries must get the necessary funding to meet the needs of working families,” said McEntee. “In economically difficult times, libraries are more important than ever to our communities. Funding our libraries is a critical investment in our future. That is why it is essential that mayors and decision-makers in every community provide library workers with the pay, support and respect that they have earned.”

“As the nation feels the pain of the weakening economy, people are turning to their libraries for resources to find employment and public services, to advance their education, and to learn,” said McEntee. “AFSCME salutes the library workers who make more than 123,000 libraries across the country happen.”

McEntee noted that cutting library budgets has a serious impact on the nation’s economic future. “At a time when communities need the resources our nation’s libraries provide, too many jurisdictions are taking a knife to library budgets. That is a major mistake, and we are going to fight those budget cuts,” McEntee said. “When the economy is in trouble, Americans need their libraries more than ever.”

McEntee’s call came on National Library Workers Day, a day set aside for communities, schools and universities across the country to celebrate the contributions of librarians and library workers. “Library workers have shown tremendous resiliency during these difficult times. They have adapted to the demands of the digital age, and kept our libraries running smoothly, often on shoestring budgets,” he continued.

AFSCME represents more than 10,000 workers in libraries nationwide, more than any other union. AFSCME has been a leading advocate for pay increases for library workers and for funding increases for the public facilities they operate. This year, the union is distributing more than 60,000 bookmarks at libraries nationwide to commemorate the work of librarians and library workers.

Earlier this month, the American Library Association-Allied Professional Association (ALA-APA) announced that McEntee and AFSCME will be honored as ALA-APA Angels at the American Library Association Annual Conference in June. This honor recognizes AFSCME’s efforts to help ALA-APA grow and flourish in its missions of providing certification and supporting better salaries. New York Public Library Guild Local 1930 of District Council 37 AFSCME, AFL-CIO, represented by President Carol Thomas and Treasurer Nina Manning, will also be among those honored as ALA-APA Angels.

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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

LABOR AND CIVIL RIGHTS: Two Movements - One Goal

By: Vivian Sovall, AFSCME Retiree

 Click on the link below to read this fascinating history of the labor and civil rights movements.

AFSCME in ACTION - Grand Junction, CO

On a “historical” snow day for Mesa County School District, custodians received mixed messages from administration as to who should and should not report to work. Custodians who did not work were told to take vacation or personal leave. After meeting with AFSCME, administration reversed the decision and paid the custodians who did not work. The custodians who did work received a flex day at Spring Break. “This took us a few days to accomplish but I consider it a pretty major victory for Local 3375!” stated President Kate Jackson.

City Council Overrides Mayor's Veto and Adds Bonus Money to '08 Base Pay

Reacting to an AFSCME Local 158 petition signed by more than 1,000 city employees, the Denver City Council on November 9th overrode Mayor John Hickenlooper's veto and approved moving funds for a broken Bonus Pay system to base pay wages for FY 2008, adding another 1% increase to wages.  The veto override marked a historical moment. It was the first time since 1982 that a Denver mayor lost out on a veto - and it was council members standing up for city workers that made it happen.

Councilwoman Carol Boigon proposed the bonus pay move and deserves our thanks and credit. So do the other council members who stood fast with her (see list below).

City employees used to get raises through a mix of annual market-rate surveys and performance-based evaluations. When tough economic times occurred workers agreed with Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper to drop the market-rate adjustment rather than lay-off city workers. Employee wages fell behind. Mayor Hickenlooper stated that when times were better he would make it right with city employees.

On November 3, the Denver City Council voted to amend the 2008 city budget on employee pay. Mid-week Mayor Hickenlooper issued the first veto of his term. However, at a special meeting November 9th, the mayor was unable to sway any of the nine council members who voted to override his veto.

City employees will now receive a 1% pay increase on top of merit raises next year.

Please thank the following City Council Members for their support of working families!

Carol Boigon, who spearheaded the initiative – At Large

Rick Garcia, who sponsored the proclamation – District 1

Paul Lopez – District 3

Peggy Lehmann – District 4

Marcia Johnson – District 5

Chris Nevitt – District 7

Judy Montero – District 9

Michael Hancock – District 11

Doug Linkhart – At Large

Click below to read the Rocky Mountain News story on the veto override.