Cleveland Public Library Workers Reach Temporary Agreement, Strike Plans Paused

A tentative agreement was reached Monday by the 400 unionized members of the Cleveland Public Library and library management, press releases from both sides announced. It averted a planned Monday strike and ensures the CPL and its 27 branches will remain open and operating. At least until Thursday, when the workers could still strike if the agreement isn’t approved by both sides.

“Library workers at CPL do not want to strike,” a statement on Friday from the Service Employees International Union District 1199 read. “But also know they cannot accept a contract that doesn’t provide livable wages, affordable retirement security, safe working conditions, and the respect they deserve.”

Dozens of bargaining meetings have taken place between the two parties over the last year, including one earlier this month. Pay increases, staff shortages, vacation time, outsourcing and workplace safety are all issues on the table. Marathon bargaining sessions last Thursday and Friday didn’t produce a result ahead of Monday’s planned strike.

The library had made plans to offer only curbside service at branches in that case, with the main library’s first floor and Cavs championship celebration exhibit remaining open to the public. Plans remain in place should a strike go forward.

But both sides seemed to indicate that won’t be necessary.

“Our employees are at the heart of The People’s University, and we are deeply grateful for their dedication to serving Clevelanders,” CPL director Felton Thomas said in a statement on Monday.

“We are proud to have reached an agreement that allows the library to continue providing its five-star service to the community,” he said.