Newark Library Workers Demand New Contract: ‘Pride Doesn’t Pay The Bills’

NEWARK, NJ — “Pride doesn’t pay the bills.” That’s the rallying call from unionized workers at the Newark Public Library, who are demanding a “fair contract” from administrators.

Workers are calling for wage increases at the library after their last contract expired more than a year ago, according to a statement from their union, AFSCME Local 2298.

“Many employees qualify for food assistance, struggle to afford rent and groceries, and are forced to work multiple jobs just to survive,” the union reported.

Library staff positions start at $31,611. Management is proposing a raise to $34,050, the union said.

“Moreover, the library’s offer of general wage increases – 1.75 percent in 2024, 1.85 percent in 2025 and 2026 – fail to keep pace with inflation (2.9 percent in 2024; 3.8 percent average over the last five years), effectively cutting real wages,” AFSCME Local 2298 added.

Meanwhile, library workers have faced a 50 percent reduction in staffing over the past decade, union spokespeople said.

“The situation is leading to an exodus of experienced staff to better pay from nearby systems such as East Orange, Jersey City, Millburn and New York City,” spokespeople said.

After an outcry from workers last year, the Newark City Council increased the library’s budget by $1 million annually. It was a crucial win that workers celebrated – but they still don’t have a “fair” contract, the union charged.

• See Related: Library Workers Demand More Funding In Newark City Budget

Library staff are now planning to hold a series of actions to call attention to their campaign, including informational picketing, attending board meetings and holding a “Librarian Day of Action” rally on July 26.

The union shared a statement from one of the impacted library workers (their name was not disclosed):

“We are proud to serve the people of Newark. But pride doesn’t pay the bills. We’re fighting for dignity, fairness, and the future of our library. We want a world class library for our community, but that requires a fair contract for staff.”

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