Library workers press council for civil-service protections after $2M in facility repairs approved
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Summary
After the council approved $2 million for deferred library maintenance, library employees urged support for a referendum to convert library staff to civil-service status and called for permanent bargaining protections beyond a proposed $40,000 minimum salary.
The council’s approval of $2 million in FY26 CIP funding for library deferred maintenance prompted an extended public-comment session in which library employees and supporters pressed the council to guarantee civil-service protections and stronger bargaining rights.
Public commenters representing Memphis Public Library Workers United described workplace grievances and called the proposed $40,000 minimum city salary a welcome first step but insufficient without permanent civil-service protections. Denise Ewell (who identified concerns about pay and job security) said, “What we truly need is civil service and recognition of our union, not a pep rally or a one-time bump in pay.” Jonathan Hill, also representing library workers, urged the council to place a referendum on the 2026 ballot to reclassify library workers to civil service while preserving benefits and seniority.
Library speakers asked the council to support a referendum ordinance; they also noted upcoming union events and asked for council backing. Council members and staff acknowledged the comments and indicated forthcoming proposals and follow-up work on employee classification and salary policy.
The council’s $2 million library appropriations were approved earlier in the meeting; public commenters thanked the council for funding but pushed for policy changes affecting employment classifications and workplace protections.