Salt Lake City library faces scrutiny over workplace tensions
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Tension between Salt Lake City Public Library leadership and workers is spilling into public view amid allegations of retaliation and a toxic workplace.
Why it matters: The dispute is escalating just months after the library union reached a historic collective bargaining agreement and as the system navigates staff changes and plans for its future.
State of play: At a Sept. 28 library Board of Directors meeting, some former employees spoke out about being retaliated against and experiencing a lack of due process during disciplinary actions.
- After their comments, board president Sariah Toronto announced the board would review the library's personnel policies, disciplinary actions, internal complaints and grievance records dating back to last October.
- Library executive director and CEO Noah Baskett welcomed the review.
"I'm confident it'll show that the allegations of write-ups or acts of retaliation simply have not happened," Baskett said about the review.
- He disputed a recent Salt Lake City Weekly story that outlined a "culture of terror" and fear of retaliation for speaking out.
Catch up quick: In May, the library system sent an email to more than 250 employees offering buyouts, fanning fears among staff that layoffs could be coming, the Salt Lake Tribune reported.
What they're saying: John Olshinski, a union steward who has worked at the library for about a decade, tells Axios the recent unionization has empowered staff to speak more openly about their experiences.
- Some of the issues they've raised stem from the library system's strategic plan that outlines major changes and goals through 2034, like expanding Sunday hours and other services at certain branches.
- Olshinski says the staff reductions have left employees juggling multiple responsibilities, contributing to widespread disorganization. Plus, there's been a lack of communication from leadership about the roll-out, he adds.
Between the lines: The friction and staff departures could ultimately affect library visitors, with Olshinski pointing to the loss of valuable "experience and institutional knowledge."
Yes, but: In a statement to Axios, Baskett defends the strategic plan, but acknowledges that recent changes at the library have caused anxiety among some workers.
- He notes there are "no layoffs coming and no plan to reduce services."
- To date, Baskett says there have been 11 conversations with staff about the strategic plan, each lasting about two hours.
What we're watching: What the board's review finds and the changes it could prompt.