SUPPORT LIBRARY WORKERS! SUPPORT THE UNIONS OF KPL! 8/24 @ 5:30pm
Hi fellow Kalamazoodles! Do you like using the Kalamazoo Public Library? I know I do!
I'm an employee of KPL for nearly 5 years now, working as a library aide. I'm one of the many people who check your books out, check them back in when you're done, organize them on the shelves, pull your holds, repair damages, and answer all your questions about library services. My coworkers are also the ones who clean the building, who prepare new books for going out, who staff events, and so much more. Together, we form the Union of Kalamazoo Public Library Aides (UKPLA). The other employees such as our Librarians and Support Assistants make up two more unions, the Kalamazoo Professional Librarians Association (KPLA) and the Kalamazoo Public Library Support Personnel (KPLSP). They're the ones curating the collections and organizing events we host.
This year, we are in contract negotiations with the organization fighting for a living wage and proper protections at work. Our previous contract expired at the end of June, and we've entered a stall. Our attempts at negotiations are repeatedly denied, even going so far as to tell us we don't deserve a living wage like the rest of the library employees. KPLA and KPLSP have been fighting alongside us to convince the library of our worth, and yet we come to a standstill regardless.
So now, we're calling on the community of Kalamazoo for help. On August 24th at 5:30pm, KPL is having a public board meeting in the Van Deusen room at the Central branch. We need YOUR help fighting for the employees of your libraries! No speaking or public comment at the event is required of you - the presence in the room is enough to prove the citizens of Kalamazoo believe their library employees deserve a fair and equitable wage.
We will be gathering at St. Luke's Episcopal Church beforehand at 4pm to rally together, prepare signs, share stories, and eat. Everyone is Welcome!
Solidarity and best wishes, your friendly local library worker.