Boulder Library Union Vote Looms After Trustees’ Key Meeting

UPDATE: A pivotal decision regarding the unionization of Boulder Public Library District (BPLD) employees is imminent. In a special meeting held on February 27, 2025, the BPLD Board of Trustees postponed a vote to officially recognize the employee union, a move that has heightened anticipation among library staff and supporters.

Trustees opted to delay the vote to review amendments made to the draft of the board’s collective bargaining policy. The official vote is now expected to occur on March 10, 2025, which could mark a historic moment for library workers in Colorado.

The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. If approved, this would establish the first union for a library district in the state, providing BPLD employees with formal representation and the ability to negotiate crucial workplace matters.

During the meeting, Christine Burke, a volunteer program coordinator at BPLD and a key union organizer, emphasized the importance of clarifying the bargaining policy. The draft currently outlines which employees would be excluded from union membership, including those in human resources, finance, and information technology, as well as any worker who has logged fewer than 500 hours or has worked less than 90 days in the past year.

Some library staff voiced their concerns over these exclusions, advocating for a more inclusive approach. “We want to ensure that all voices are heard,” Burke stated, reflecting the sentiments of many workers who believe that union representation is essential for their job security and workplace rights.

The draft policy outlines that while BPLD can negotiate wages, benefits, and working conditions, several topics remain off the table, including overall staffing levels, the BPLD’s mission, and organizational structure. This limitation has been a point of contention among employees, who seek a more comprehensive negotiation framework.

Previously, library workers were part of the Boulder Municipal Employees Association, a union for city employees. However, that connection was lost when BPLD was established as a separate entity, leading to ongoing discussions about the need for a dedicated union.

Organizers have reiterated that their push for unionization does not stem from dissatisfaction with library management but rather a desire for the security and support that a union can provide. BPLD Executive Director David Farnan explained during the meeting that navigating this unique legal landscape has required the board to take a thoughtful approach, holding four public meetings to address the unionization process.

BPLD employees are covered under the 2023 Protections for Public Workers Act (PROPWA), which grants public-sector workers the right to discuss workplace issues. However, it does not mandate that municipalities recognize employee unions, leaving the BPLD to chart its own course through negotiations.

As the March 10 deadline approaches, the pressure is mounting for trustees to finalize their decision. If the union is recognized, it will operate under the umbrella of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, enhancing the collective power of library workers.

The outcome of this vote is set to resonate beyond Boulder, potentially influencing similar efforts in other library districts across the country. With the stakes this high, both library employees and community supporters are urged to stay engaged as they await the board’s crucial decision.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and don’t miss out on sharing this important moment for library workers.