Workers at Frederick County Public Library System Announce Their Intent to Organize a Union
Frederick County Library Workers United union would represent over 200 library workers throughout Frederick County, Maryland
FREDERICK COUNTY, Md. – Citing a need for a voice in the decision making process, more transparent communication, fair wages, more job protection, paths to promotion adequate staffing, and improved employee retention, Frederick County Public Library System workers announced their intention to organize a union across all ten work locations, with AFSCME Maryland Council 3.
Organizing efforts began after a group of employees met early this year to discuss the need to organize and fight for improved wages and more sustainable careers. The employees met to discuss the challenges within the library system and workers decided it was time to take action and unionize. Their goals are outlined in their organizing committee letter, signed by nearly 40 FCPL employees.
These library workers in Frederick County are part of a growing national wave of workers at museums, libraries, zoos, and other cultural institutions fighting to win a voice on the job by forming a union with AFSCME.
“We are excited to join forces with the Frederick County Public Library System staff as they work to organize their union. We have seen the difference having a union has meant to the workers in Howard County Library System, Anne Arundel County Public Library, and at the Enoch Pratt Free Library. We are ready to get to work and bargain a strong contract alongside our members so they can continue to provide essential services to their communities,” said Patrick Moran, President of AFSCME Maryland Council 3.
“Congratulations to our library staff at FCPL for filing a petition to unionize. I know firsthand the value a union workplace can provide in your lives, at work, and back home. Your courageous effort to come together and organize for a collective voice and to protect our vital library services will make Frederick County stronger for years to come.” - Jessica Fitzwater, Frederick County Executive
"We're excited for the 200 library workers in Frederick County to organize their union with AFSCME. Organizing lets them join the fight for fair pay and a sustainable career. They've worked hard for this moment and deserve congratulations for taking the first step to form their union. But more than that, they deserve their voices to be heard and their rights as workers to be upheld. And by standing strong together, they've won that." - Megan Royden, AFSCME Local 6359 President
“I love working at FCPL- these are the best coworkers I’ve ever had! But many of them commute an hour to get to work because the cost of living has soared in Frederick County while our wages have lagged behind.” - Deana Greenberg, Circulation Clerk
“All library staff deserve a seat at the table to guarantee that we are represented fully and consistently to receive promised career security at all times- from our pay to our daily schedules- regardless of Administration or Management changes. AFSCME is the union that has employees' best interests at heart, will allow the platform for our voices to be heard, and will deliver on those promises.” - Frances Payne, Senior Circulation Clerk
“I believe library workers deserve a way to advocate for themselves and their fellow coworkers, and I’m proud to stand in solidarity with my colleagues to be able to improve and protect Frederick County Public Libraries.” - Emily Spangler, Librarian I Adult Services
“I love my job as a shelver at the library. My coworkers are great, and I’ve had some amazing experiences. But I feel underappreciated, though my role as a shelver is essential. Raises, sick time, better hours if desired, among other things would improve the conditions of the job significantly. Unionizing would allow us to accomplish all of this and more!” - Zach Frank-Rice, Shelver
“The library is for everyone, and library staff is essential in making that a reality. By standing together, we at FCPL can be confident in our ability to continue to make our libraries a place to gather and grow.” - Tabitha Rathmann, Librarian I
“I have been a shelver at FCPL for eight years. We receive no increases in pay regardless of our annual performance reviews. Promotional opportunities are few and far between. Recently I was informed that my eight years of experience only count for two years because I am part-time, and as shelvers, our hours are heavily restricted. This significantly affects my ability to get so much as an interview because many of our job openings receive hundreds of applications from the public, and no special consideration is given for existing employees. The people at FCPL are incredible, and I would love to build a career here, but I don’t see a path forward without change. I believe that AFSCME can help us create that change.” - Michael, Shelver
“I have worked at FCPL for 19 years with exceptional coworkers, doing work I love and excel at. I want better for FCPL’s part-time employees. We should be treated equally and compensated fairly, and I believe our union will provide that opportunity.” - Susan Kloc, PT Library Technician
“Just think how much better FCPL could be if ALL its employees were heard, valued, and treated fairly. It would be a win for employees and patrons alike. I believe it’s time to unionize and usher in this long overdue and needed change.” - Cynthia Wintermyer, PT Library Technician
“Becoming a union family in 2015 was one of our proudest moments. Suddenly losing the partner who made us union strong in 2022 was the absolute hardest. Without the personal and financial support the union provided after his death, our family would not have our own home and the ability to put one foot in front of the other in the direction of independence and hope. The chance for us to again become union strong through my work is a comfort and inarguably a deep assurance of continued wellbeing and opportunities for myself and our children.” - Ananda Jones, Circulation Clerk
“I want to join the union because working at FCPL is fantastic and having the protection and support of a union helps enshrine what makes going to the library great. Protection for our workforce to ensure our rights and ability to keep fighting for library rights is only possible through unionizing. It can only help us and our patrons.” - Caitrin Leigh, Shelver
“I am a relatively new FCPL staff member but a long-time patron. As a former employee of a federal agency where things were so great that we didn’t think we needed union protection, I saw firsthand how even the best organizations can change after a leadership transition. I’m joining AFSCME to preserve and protect everything I love about FCPL as it is today.” - Cara Anjos Breeden, IP Circulation Clerk
“In order to truly foster belonging across the county, shouldn’t we start with our employees? A union will help us to connect with each other in new ways, and help us to feel seen, heard, and supported by our peers. We are stronger, louder, and better together.” - Emmalee Miller, Library Associate NE
“FCPL is made up of great people. I want to ensure that what makes us great is valued, appreciated, and heard. Also, equitable pathways available for staff to further their career goals are needed.” - Mary Dixon, Library Associate Childrens
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About AFSCME
AFSCME's 1.4 million members provide the vital services that make America happen. With members in communities across the nation, serving in hundreds of different occupations — from nurses to corrections officers, childcare providers to sanitation workers — AFSCME advocates for fairness in the workplace, excellence in public services and freedom and opportunity for all working families.
About AFSCME Maryland Council 3
AFSCME Maryland Council 3 represents nearly 50,000 public service workers in local, city, county and state government as well as in higher education and the private sector who provide the valuable public services that our communities rely on. From Western Maryland to the Eastern Shore, we make Maryland happen.