Memphis, September 5, 2025
News Summary
Workers at Memphis Public Libraries have united to form the Memphis Public Libraries Workers United, aligning with the Communications Workers of America to advocate for collective bargaining and better work conditions. With their current classification limiting bargaining ability, employees seek civil service status to negotiate effectively for equitable wages and improved working environments. The Memphis City Council is currently considering reclassification and its implications, marking a significant step for labor rights in local public institutions.
Memphis – Workers at Memphis Public Libraries have officially formed a union named Memphis Public Libraries Workers United in alignment with the Communications Workers of America (CWA). This significant move comes as a supermajority of library workers have called for a union election, seeking to collectively negotiate better work conditions and classification as civil service employees.
Currently, employees within the library system are classified as โappointedโ by the mayor, a designation stemming from a 1984 executive order by then-Mayor Richard Hackett. This classification excludes them from forming a bargaining unit, as per the restrictions laid out by the order. The workers are advocating for a reclassification that would grant them the important safeguards necessary to negotiate for equitable wages and working conditions.
The CWA emphasizes that achieving civil service status is crucial for library employees to secure their rights and improve their work environment. The organization has urged Memphis Mayor Paul Young to issue an executive order granting the workers the ability to negotiate collectively while the City Council assesses the potential for reclassification.
In their struggle for better working conditions, library employees have engaged in discussions with the Chief Human Resources Officer for the City of Memphis and have also presented their case to the Memphis City Council members. This effort is seen as a โlong-overdue correctionโ aimed at addressing the concerns of library workers who have faced various challenges in the workforce.
Library staff are hopeful that the city government will support their drive toward civil service status. Employees, like Anthony Lucatelli from the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, highlight the importance of recognizing the diverse issues library branches face, as well as the need to understand the lived experiences of their coworkers.
Another library worker, Van Snyder from Orange Mound Library, expressed the desire to ensure public service can be conducted alongside fair living conditions. This sentiment reflects a broader consensus among library workers who aim to perform their duties effectively without compromising their financial stability.
The Memphis City Council is currently deliberating how to facilitate this reclassification process. They are also examining whether any amendments to the city charter would necessitate voter approval, illustrating the complexities surrounding this administrative transition. The move to unionize has been described by the CWA as a historic moment for a vital public institution within the city, further underscoring the importance of achieving this goal.
The formation of the union and the call for a civil service designation represent a significant shift in the labor movement within Memphis Public Libraries, marking a new chapter for the employees who are advocating for their rights and Futures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Memphis Public Libraries Workers United?
Memphis Public Libraries Workers United is a union formed by library employees to advocate for better working conditions and the right to collective bargaining.
Why do the workers want to be classified as civil service employees?
The workers are seeking civil service classification to gain critical safeguards, including the ability to collectively bargain for fair wages and improved working conditions.
What steps are being taken to facilitate this reclassification?
Library employees have engaged with the Chief Human Resources Officer for the City of Memphis and have presented their case to the City Council, who are currently discussing how to facilitate reclassification and whether voter approval is needed.
Key Features of the Union Movement
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Union Formation | Memphis Public Libraries Workers United formed to advocate for workers’ rights. |
| Union Election | A supermajority of workers has called for a union election to formalize their representation. |
| Civil Service Advocacy | Workers are seeking reclassification to gain bargaining rights. |
| Historical Context | The struggle is rooted in a 1984 executive order restricting bargaining rights for non-civil service employees. |
| Community Support | Efforts include engagements with city officials and presentations to the City Council. |
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Additional Resources
- Local Memphis
- Daily Memphian
- Action News 5
- Fox 13 Memphis
- Choose901
- Wikipedia: Memphis, Tennessee
- Google Search: Memphis Public Libraries
- Google Scholar: Memphis Public Libraries
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Memphis, Tennessee
- Google News: Memphis Public Libraries
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