Cuyahoga County library workers vote to strike
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CCPL's Parma-Snow branch, home of the system's administration building. Photo: Sam Allard/Axios
Unionized workers at the Cuyahoga County Public Library's 27 branches voted last week to strike on July 18 if a new contract is not reached with management before that time.
Why it matters: The two sides have met nearly 20 times since negotiations began in January, but remain far apart on compensation issues.
- The library system (CCPL) contends the union's proposed wage increases would "likely accelerate the need for additional local funding or layoffs."
By the numbers: The Service Employees International Union 1199, which represents library workers, says 40% of its nearly 500 CCPL members have reached the top of their pay bands with no opportunity for raises based on experience or seniority.
- The union seeks pay increases of 7.25% in 2024, 4% in 2025, and 3.75% in 2026.
- CCPL countered with 4% in 2024, 3% in 2025, and 3% in 2026.
The latest: At a CCPL board meeting Tuesday, union members testified at public comment that they are the lifeblood of the system and that management should not treat workers as a budget line item.
What they're saying: "We didn't enter the field of librarianship to strike it rich," read a statement from Katelyn Youmans, a clerk at the Parma-Snow branch.
- "Our rejection of your proposals has not been a cash grab but a matter of dignity, self-respect and — to be perfectly frank — economic survival."
The other side: In a statement after the strike vote, CCPL said it consistently offers "competitive wages, regular pay increases, and robust benefits" to its employees.
- "CCPL will continue to work toward a positive outcome in its negotiations with SEIU while remaining responsible stewards of our public funding," it read.
Reality check: According to library data referenced by union members Tuesday, there are 74 members of the union making less than a living wage.
- In Cuyahoga County, the living wage is $19.26 per hour for a single adult, per MIT.
The bottom line: Michael Wood, the administrative organizer for SEIU 1199, claimed to Axios that CCPL's statement about competitive wages is belied by the Cleveland and Lorain public library systems offering higher starting wages for both librarians and circulation staff, along with progressive pay scales.
- Wood said the union views CCPL's comments about potential tax increases or layoffs as "scare tactics and threats."
- "The fact is, we had a larger proposal on the table five months ago," he said. "Why didn't they tell us that then? Suddenly we take an overwhelming strike vote and if they give in to our demands, layoffs are around the corner?"