Baltimore County Library Workers Seek To Unionize

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — Employees with Baltimore County Public Library have banded together to ask state legislators to support legislation allowing approximately 600 library employees to unionize their workforce. For almost two years, Baltimore County library staff has been trying to organize with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, according to a statement.

Because local library systems are created by state law, state legislation must be passed for collective bargaining to be authorized. The companion legislation (Senate Bill 138, House Bill 45) filed by Maryland House Del. Cathi F. Forbes (D-District 42A) and Maryland State Sen. Shelly L. Hettleman (D-District 11) would give Baltimore County library employees the right to form a union and collectively bargain for better working conditions. Employees cite healthcare benefits, transparency and communication from management as their top issues for unionizing.

“Baltimore County Public Library employees love what they do and just want to make sure it’s safe to come to work,” Bridget Fitzgerald, IAM Grand Lodge representative and lead organizer on the campaign, said in a statement. “They want to know that management has their best interests at heart when making decisions that will affect them. Most importantly, they want a seat at the table and a voice in their daily working lives.”

“BCPL employees want a say in their future and an avenue to address workplace concerns,” wrote IAM General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes in an opinion piece. “They face inconsistent workplace policies and unreliable communication. The pandemic environment amplifies these challenges.”

The Maryland State Senate held a recent hearing on S.B. 138 that included testimony from four library staff members.