MCPL Workers United-CWA members outside the MCPL North Independence Branch.Photo: Courtesy of The Communications Workers of America.
Mid-Continent Public Library workers announced they are seeking to form a union after a majority signed a petition across the Kansas City-area system.
Why it matters: The effort could affect pay, staffing and how decisions get made at a library system serving more than 800,000 residents.
Zoom in: Organizers say more than 60% of about 700 eligible workers signed a public declaration backing the union.
The group includes librarians, IT staff, early literacy workers and other employees across the system.
State of play: Workers tried to deliver their petition and a letter asking CEO Aaron Mason to voluntarily recognize the union but say management refused to accept it.
Organizers plan to file with the Missouri State Board of Mediation to start the election process.
What they're saying: "We are forming a union because we care deeply about this work," organizing committee member Lisa Campbell said in a statement, pointing to concerns about staffing and pay.
Workers say they want better wages, safer conditions and a stronger voice in decisions affecting libraries.
The other side: "Organizing is an employee's right, and MCPL fully respects the choice of staff to engage in this process," library spokesperson Emily Becker tells Axios, adding they are open to feedback from staff and plan to follow the state process that allows eligible employees to vote.
What's next: The timeline for a vote has not been set.
