Athens County Public Libraries Workers Ratify First Contract
The first union contract for workers at Athens County Public Libraries (ACPL) went into effect on Sunday, June 7. The contract makes substantial gains on the issues that motivated library staff to form their union, including paid time off benefits for part-time employees, paid parental leave, guaranteed raises, and protections against unfair discipline.
"Library workers go above and beyond to serve our communities every day, and we look forward to having a say in how our workplace operates moving forward,” said Ellie Hamrick, a Youth Services Librarian at Chauncey Public Library and member of the Athens County Public Libraries United (ACPLU) bargaining committee. “Our strength lies in our unity with each other, our patrons, and organized workers in Athens County and around the world."
An overwhelming majority of ACPLU members voted to ratify the agreement during the first week of May and the library’s Board of Trustees ratified the agreement on Tuesday, May 19. Negotiations for the contract began in 2024 after the Board voted to voluntarily recognize the union based on signed union cards from a supermajority of workers.
The contract extends vacation leave, personal leave, and holiday pay to part-time workers on a pro-rated basis. The ACPLU bargaining committee prioritized this improvement because it ensures that all workers have equitable access to important benefits. The new contract also allows up to six weeks of paid parental leave for all employees. Library workers in Delaware County and Upper Arlington won similar improvements in their recently bargained union contracts.