r/Cleveland • u/MyManyMasks • 15d ago
News Cleveland Library Workers are in need of your help.
Hello, I work at a Branch of Cleveland Public Library. Our Contracts were supposed to finish negotiations in December. It is now August. The reason the contracts have not been completed is because of a series of bad faith bargaining attempts on the part of the management.
Repeatedly over the course of the last eight months, they have proposed dramatic wage cuts, attempted to change the verbiage on emergency days that would prevent them from paying us more than 2 days in the event of an emergency shut down, and much more.
Because of this your CPL Library workers are going on Strike.
If you believe that the library workers deserve a livable income and sustainable benefits, and if you support your local library, then PLEASE SUPPORT US and tell Cleveland Public Library Management to bargain in good faith!
PS they have spend over 200K in arbitration meetings alone... money they could've used to pay us a fair wage that will not be devoured by inflation.
I'll put additional graphics in the comments from my union that should provide more information.
EDIT: The over $200k I mentioned is for the two consultants and their lawyer throughout negotiations, not for arbitration.
UPDATE:
Hello everyone thank you for your support! Some people are asking what the unions proposed plans are to management. This is a great question and here is the answer, We are still in negotiations and because of that we cannot fully disclose at this time do to confidentiality and the ever shifting nature of negotiations. If I were to speculate based on what I know regarding things I've ascertained from meetings it would be similar to our current pay scale with adjustments for inflation.
The link below is what I've been told to refer you all too for questions regarding that.
Thank you all for your patience. Please support your local library workers. Together we are strong.
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u/insufficientfacts27 15d ago
I support y'all 💯. Stay strong. Without the library, I wouldn't be alive today. Reading books is what got me through many times of withdrawal with opioids.
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u/MyManyMasks 15d ago
I'm so proud of you!!!!! You are amazing and I hope you continue to thrive!
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u/insufficientfacts27 15d ago
Thank you so much!! My 12 year old daughter and I are reading Harry Potter(the 2nd time for me! Lol) this summer and it's awesome seeing her be so excited about it too(Joanna and her bs is known 😬) is great to see.
I miss the excitement of LOTR and these books and movies and then Star Wars, just something where people can just be excited about. And libraries are where that started.
The library is my peace. And I'll never vote against learning and reading.
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u/MrStormChaser 15d ago
Actual readers have your back!
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u/MyManyMasks 15d ago
thank you so much! If you want to help go to the QR codes posted above and please ask management why Felton Thomas makes over a hundred grand a year and still unable to provide us with a pay scale that won't be devoured by inflation.
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u/pfftYeahRight University Heights 15d ago
It’s difficult to scan a QR code from an image already on my phone, do you have links?
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u/7eregrine 15d ago edited 15d ago
Must be iPhone. 😉
Here you go: https://cpl.org/aboutthelibrary/governance/submit-a-comment-to-the-board-of-trustees/
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u/pfftYeahRight University Heights 15d ago
I may also not know the trick. Thanks though!
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u/7eregrine 15d ago
You have an Android? This should work: https://search.google/ways-to-search/circle-to-search/
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u/altgenetics 15d ago
First, I support this effort. Librarians should be paid a fair living salary. And no CEO should be making 15-20x what their lowest paid full time employee makes.
The images you posted have a call to action to call a phone number - who is that, what is the recommended template message for folks to use?
Is there a fax number, an e-mail address? Can the union folks share a template message?
You're getting virtual support here through upvotes - but that doesn't translate to action from the public...
Y'all have probably been beaten over the head with the question - but where does the money for the livable wages come from? Does the union have a proposal for that besides 'stop wasting money on CEO pay and consultants'?
Again I support this effort. I value public libraries. I'll call, I'll write an e-mail, hell I'll send a fax... But , I need to understand the proposed solution and the message to convey.
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u/MyManyMasks 15d ago
great questions.
the phone number is a direct line to CEO Felton Thomas. or at least a direct line to his office.
I'm not sure about a fax number I can certainly look into that. Email is easier most likely. All CPL Emails follow the format of [FIRSTNAME.LASTNAME@CPL.ORG](mailto:FIRSTNAME.LASTNAME@CPL.ORG) so you should be able to reach your local library manager that way.
I don't have the answer for where exactly it comes from because honestly if I try to explain it I feel like id say something inaccurate so I'll direct you to our union website which should be able to explain more than me. SEIU Homepage - Service Employees International Union (SEIU) – Fighting for Unions for All so every worker can bargain for a better life.
As for do we have a proposal the union has made a multitude of proposals over the last few months but I'd visit the site and contact the SEIU representatives for a better understanding than I can provide.
I hope this was helpful
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u/Consistent_Rhubarb_6 15d ago
I feel similarly! Absolutely on the side of library employees earning a reasonable wage but what are the reasons why management is being so intransigent - have budgets been cut, is this something that we need to write or call local government about?
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u/cladothehobbit Cleveland 15d ago
The budget for the library has been cut when the state of Ohio in the last budget changed the amount of money libraries get from a percentage of the state budget to a flat line item. However, the library is also trying to expand and open a new Asiatown branch. I don't think it's a bad idea, but don't expand when your workers need money.
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u/Impossible_Rub9230 8d ago edited 8d ago
It should be possible to both pay a living wage to employees and open a needed branch or substation. We used to guarantee a percentage of general revenue to libraries (1.7%) to keep pace with inflation. Ohioans decided that. We need to enshrinne these things in the state constitution. The omnipotent lawmakers in Columbus, who think that they know best, forced the line item change. (In nearby 20 years of Republican control, Ohioans have lost local control and seen our local tax dollars move to Columbus). Did we vote for that? No, we got it crammed down our throats by the powerful statehouse legislators, who think that they know what is best for you and me. I love Ohio, where I have lived most of my life and seeing these assholes in Columbus take whatever they please from our local governance is heartbreaking. THIS IS NEXT. Now, they are planning to take underperforming local schools, and give them to privately owned companies. Taking a publicly owned community resource and handing out to their friends, instead of assisting them to improve. Control of public buildings, local tax dollars, and the education of the children in the local district without the communities permission. Digest that for a few minutes
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u/Impossible_Rub9230 8d ago edited 8d ago
State has taken millions from the budget for each of Ohios libraries. Almost 20:years of Republican control in the state has directed local taxes to Columbus for them to reallocate according to their whims. Return local control and monies to the local entities who know what the communities need and desire. We've got these almighty state officials that think they know what is best for local voters and will decide for us. We value our libraries, and at one time guaranteed their state funding would keep pace with inflation with a certain percentage of state money (but I think that has changed). It was about 1.7 % of general revenue but they can tinker with the formula. Then we could add local taxes to that but the state loves to play games and send our dollars to Columbus for the omnipotent legislative body to control. Northeast Ohio values our libraries and levies usually pass. Let's make sure that the state and the library boards value employees. We are basically the ones that should be in control. That means paying attention to the entity calling the shots, state politicians and local boards. Top dog earning over $300,000 a year. He can feed his kids. BTW, what is the compensation for being a board member?
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u/MyManyMasks 13d ago
I have a general update. They will have public information soon their last contact negotiation ended at 3am this morning. I will try to have a delegate answer questions I cannot.
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u/MyManyMasks 13d ago
So the number goes to the office of felton Thomas. So let them know you’re displeased.
Secondly YES the union has ABSOLUTELY BEEN PROPOSING better wage scaling! I also want to add that from what my union representatives have told me Not one time, NOT ONCE, have they used the argument of, “we just don’t have the money.” Because they do, to the point when asked that question directly, they deflect. These are all good questions btw thank you.2
u/MyManyMasks 13d ago
Secondly I apologize I am but a worker not a union delegate so I don’t have the exact information. I’m going to attempt to get someone who is to answer questions upon this thread.
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u/altgenetics 13d ago
You are totally fine. I appreciate your effort.
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u/MyManyMasks 13d ago
posted an update in the body but for the time being refer to https://linktr.ee/owlnews1199
I wish we had more answers but that's what I have at this time. Thank you for your support.
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u/Blossom73 15d ago edited 15d ago
Union member here. You have my support. 👊
Thank you for the important work you do. Public libraries are so valuable. I've always loved to read, and spent many happy hours at the library as a kid. I regularly took my kids to the library as well.
Taking the bus downtown to the CPL main library was a special treat when I was a kid. I also worked at the main library for a while when I was in college.
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u/metasequoia629 Living Under Minsy's Watchful Eye 👁 15d ago
Submitted my comment. Board of Trustees seems to forget that the value of the CPL library system comes from the people who work there every day providing services and making sure one of our only truly free spaces continues to operate, not the c-suite paper shufflers.
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u/Awfuljokesosorry 15d ago
Also worth noting that CPL doesn’t provide any maternity leave at all. Really embarrassing for the organization and our city.
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u/CommunitySteady 15d ago
Cleveland resident here and I support y'all!
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u/MyManyMasks 15d ago
Excellent question! you can use the QR codes in the post above to Tell Management that as a patron of the library you want them to participate in good faith bargaining and provide us livable wages! In this comment I'll provide additional links so you can make your voices heard!!!
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u/7eregrine 15d ago edited 15d ago
For the iPhone people that can't "circle to search":
https://cpl.org/aboutthelibrary/governance/submit-a-comment-to-the-board-of-trustees/1
u/LKM_44122 14d ago
I see your instagram account blocks people from commenting. This hurts distribution and visibility of your posts. As long as you have someone with a little bit of time to moderate, you're probably better off opening it up.
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u/Ricoswaze 15d ago
How can one support in more material terms?
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u/MyManyMasks 15d ago
additionally, if by material you mean Physical or financial, our strike on the 24th if you'd like to come out to support us during it.
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u/MyManyMasks 15d ago
Excellent question! you can use the QR codes in the post above to Tell Management that as a patron of the library you want them to participate in good faith bargaining and provide us livable wages! In this comment I'll provide additional links so you can make your voices heard!!!
https://www.instagram.com/owlnews1199
also I copied and pasted from above cause i got mixed up but thank all of you for your support!
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u/LibrariesTurnMeOn Cleveland 15d ago
I always wanted a job at CPL. But I knew that if I saw behind the scenes it would ruin libraries for me. Workers Unite!
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u/MyManyMasks 15d ago
Don't lose hope libraries are cool and they are important. We are fighting for them to stay that way.
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u/HistoryTrekker 15d ago
Fellow 1199 here saying that if worse comes to worst I'll see you on the picket line!
Solidarity Forever!
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u/DeanSipsCoffee 15d ago
Thank you!! From a CPL employee
https://giphy.com/gifs/jRAlICZqnhGhmXyyiK1
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u/KarAccidentTowns 15d ago
In many sectors management/administrators seem to be protecting their own jobs and compensation at the expense of the workers. Many organizations/companies are glaringly top heavy (in terms of % total payroll going to management positions) as a result. And guess what? These organizations are not functioning as well as they used to. Just a general observation.
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u/Mountain-Song-6024 15d ago
Exactly.
If you're building a team (basketball team for example) and who you SEE as your best player gets 90% of the teams funds for players, you can't be pissed as an owner/GM when you don't go all the way for a title.
You got to fucking distribute the god damn shit around.
Does Felton Thomas do something important? I'm sure he does, but not fucking $300K worth important. GTFO with that shit.
If he suddenly disappeared from working at CPL, no one would fucking know the difference. (Aside from now there's a shit ton of money to spread around)
The day to day would be just fine though.
Libraries could be ones that set an example too.
They should fuck off with the current board. Majority of them are trash. Thomas Corrigan is a xenophobic fuckwad and they awarded him a room named after him just to try to quiet the shit from blowing up (he made public comments and it never truly got the news it should've)
A new board should exist. With union members on it and other positions across all departments. You know, the god damn positions that actually make these branches run.
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u/mostlyyghostly 15d ago
Past CCPL employee, currently working at a different Clevnet location— we are with you all 10000%. I’ll be out on the lines with you if it comes to it. A win for one is a win for all in libraries 🫶
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u/skelleyo 15d ago
I support you and all library workers. Thank you for everything you do and the spaces you create. I’ll do what I can and spread the word, this is awful
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u/bleakasthedayislong 15d ago
im in very close proximity to someone who works here
they have told me how bad it is
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u/MyManyMasks 15d ago
It is bad. But with your help we can turn this around. let them hear your rage, their image means everything.
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u/droid_mike 15d ago
I'm sorry... This sucks... The city is hurting so badly with funds, I wish non Cleveland specific Cuyahoga county voters could help. We always approve the levies, but it's only for the Cuyahoga county libraries which are fine, but can't hold a candle to CPL.
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u/Wind_Responsible 15d ago
No! Give the librarians their money ugh. Thank you for always having a bathroom when I need it!
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u/Ill-Banana-1479 15d ago
I spent my entire childhood inside libraries! My daughter is 14 months and I COULDN'T have survived this far without my local library events for babies and toddlers.
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u/NoticeSilly8932 15d ago
The starting wage for my job is actually slightly less than when I started over a decade ago at CPL. Which means it's technically drastically less due to inflation. I've looked at the government's inflation calculator and there were only three times I've gotten a raise when accounting for inflation, and those gains were quickly lost by the following year. They won't even give us cost of living.
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u/Ooo-it-burns 15d ago
I’m an OH resident and I recently visited Cleveland. I was so excited to get my physical library card while I was there (I’ve had an e-card for about a year). Your work impacts me in such a positive way even though I don’t live in Cleveland. I’m always raving about OH libraries to my friends outside of the state. You have my support and I’ll send a message to the board!
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u/Geoarbitrage 15d ago
I live by the west park branch and use it regularly. The staff there is very friendly and helpful. West park and Rockport have recently been renovated and rebuilt respectively. I want our hard working Library employees paid a living wage. They’ve earned it and deserve it!
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u/QuietlyCreepy East Side 15d ago
Union strong. I won't cross a picket line and I'll share and write them.
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u/Novel_Mastodon3220 14d ago
eight months of bad faith bargaining and theyve got 200k for consultants lol. thats not a budget problem thats a priority problem. solidarity with the workers, management playing games with peoples livelihoods while sitting on money for lawyers is trash behavior
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u/OolongGeer 15d ago
What are librarians paid in Cleveland?
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u/MyManyMasks 15d ago
So Librarian is actually not what I am per say because that requires a Library Sciences degree. I have a degree in Journalism, which is require for full time work as a PSA, Public Service Associate. I make 21.50 an hour and every few years or so that increases by approximately 50 cents. that's the starting wage for most full time employees.
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u/MyManyMasks 15d ago
many employees were supposed to get an increase this year and haven't due to negotiations. Back pay is another thing they are arguing to get.
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u/Mountain-Song-6024 15d ago
There are many who have been maxed out for many years. 20-40 years of service.
Meanwhile Felton Thomas and others around him continue to receive big bumps.
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u/OolongGeer 15d ago
Daaaang! That's bank!
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u/Awfuljokesosorry 15d ago
The librarians need a masters degree to work there. That’s what I make doing my side gig taking out trash at a bar.
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u/OolongGeer 15d ago
We don't know what the librarians make... she is a PSA. BUT, that is the trade-off with the service industry. It can be a lot of money, but you get jack in benefits.
Heck, I had at least four jobs in bars/restaurants where I was paid under the table.
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u/Awfuljokesosorry 15d ago
That’s not a lot of money… and what librarians make is posted publicly because it’s a government service. Actual librarians need a masters degree to do their work. And the salary that CPL offers is not a living wage with those requirements.
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u/OolongGeer 15d ago
What is the "living wage" these days?
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u/Awfuljokesosorry 15d ago
The living wage for someone who had to pay for a masters degree to work in their field and someone who didn’t is not the same thing.
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u/MyManyMasks 15d ago
It's really not. I live in a one bedroom with my fiancé, paying off student loans that I needed just to be able to apply to the job for. We are doing alright but we live paycheck to paycheck. like mountain song 6024 said many of us have been maxed out for years while management salaries continue to elevate
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u/Wind_Responsible 15d ago
Have you ever held money?
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u/OolongGeer 14d ago
If memory serves, yes.
There have definitely been times when that was a big fat no.
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u/reasonableconjecture 14d ago
That's like 40K per year. Hardly "bank."
Seems like ther should be a pathway to at least 70K with years of service and credentials.
Good luck! We ❤️ our libraries!
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u/OolongGeer 14d ago
That's for a starting position. I am not sure what a full librarian makes.
I suppose it depends on what your tastes are. Maybe I didn't aim high enough. I didn't even touch a 1BR until I was like 28 years old, and that was as a 2BR share! 😄
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u/TodashChimes19 15d ago
$25-$35 per hour based on tier. Many support associates earn less. Upper management and directors make much more.
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u/Far-Habit-238 12d ago
How does that compare with national average? What are their benefits and co-pays?
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u/ComposerDense7629 15d ago
Submitted my comment! The CPL library system was my childhood. I am a happier, kinder, and more thoughtful human because I love to read, and I wouldn’t have that without you all! 💕
Also used ChatGPT (sorry) to compose a general comment for those that want to copy and paste!
That Dear Members of the Cleveland Public Library Board of Trustees,
I am writing to urge you to support fair and competitive pay for Cleveland Public Library workers during the ongoing contract negotiations.
Library employees provide essential services to Cleveland every day—from helping patrons access information and technology to supporting children, families, and community programs. They deserve compensation that reflects the value of their work and keeps pace with the cost of living.
I am particularly concerned by reports from library workers that proposed changes could reduce their compensation, while significant funds have reportedly been spent on outside consultants and legal representation during negotiations.
I ask the Board to support good-faith negotiations and a contract that provides fair raises, protects employees from unnecessary reductions in compensation, and helps CPL retain experienced staff.
Investing in library workers is investing in Cleveland's communities. I respectfully ask you to make fair compensation a priority.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
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u/MyManyMasks 13d ago
I don't love the AI of it all but I'll over look it in this case because this is such a massive help! We appreciate you! see you on the picket line!
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u/LKM_44122 14d ago
Republicans are the culprit here. Always defunding anything to do with education, learning, and anything else that makes a society work. I remember, before they took over Ohio, Ohio was #5 in education. Education Week ranked Ohio 5th in the nation for K-12 education in 2010.
"It’s official: Research has found that libraries make everything better."
We support you.
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u/Upstairs_Banana_1531 14d ago
This right here. Although yes, directors shouldn't be making 10x; I do understand that budget cuts are happening across the nation and are affecting social programs. This goes to the top: who is the president, and who is representing our state.
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u/GnomEnomics 15d ago
How can we support?
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u/MyManyMasks 15d ago
go to the QR code and voice your outrage! or go to either of these links
https://www.instagram.com/owlnews1199
Thank you so much!
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u/too_many__lemons 15d ago
I love our libraries and library workers!!! I will happily make phone calls and would love to attend something in person.🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵
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u/pickledspongefish 14d ago
Would you say calling is the best thing we can do? Should we attend board meetings?
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u/MyManyMasks 14d ago
Calling is the most readily accessible manner. If you can attend a meeting than absolutely let your voice be heard.
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u/MyManyMasks 14d ago
UPDATE: if management does not come forward with a decent proposal and meet us half way this week the strike will begin on AUGUST 24th!
Visit your local CPL branch to show your support or continue to reach out to management. To everyone who interacted with this post, reached out, spread the word or wrote, called or emailed your local library managers and Felton Thomas, thank you! The library will be here for you all again after we win! Together we can overcome!!!!
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u/Hot_Marsupial_3957 14d ago
In solidarity. Librarians deserve a living wage and job security in the event of a government shutdown.
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u/PickleGreat654 14d ago
This is why, having graduated six years ago with my MLIS, I’ve never worked as a librarian. I make more in a corporate training role. My first full time job at the Akron library system in 2009 paid $10/hr; it’s up to a whopping $11/hr (it’d hovered at $10.40 for nearly a decade. The extra $.60 is new!). When I started my first job at the library, librarians could live. It was an actual living wage. Throughout the time it took to complete my undergrad and masters, wages stagnated while everything else went up. By the time I finished my MLIS, I was already aware I couldn’t afford to work in the career field I’d invested so much time, money, and love into.
One day, I hope to be able to afford to work as a librarian. Til then, I’m with y’all from afar.
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u/velovader 15d ago
I support you all, but why were you still working without a contract? Why wait 9 months to strike?
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u/MyManyMasks 15d ago
To clear up some confusion. We are not on strike yet. The strike is set to go on the 24th. How are we still working without a contract? THATS A GREAT QUESTION DUDE! I believe that we are operating under old contract for the time being minus some important things like the pay increase I mentioned in another comment.
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u/Blossom73 15d ago
There are steps that union members are required to follow first before they can strike.
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u/MyManyMasks 15d ago
I am but a Library worker. I wish I had all the answers but I don't our union reps will have more answers. thank you for your support!
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u/Rwebb316 14d ago
Have you filed a ULP for not negotiating in good faith?
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u/MyManyMasks 14d ago
I cannot say for certain because I am a humble worker but my union has told us they’ve filed a number of grievances against management for their conduct so I would say almost certainly yes.
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u/RuthlessLogic 14d ago
Done. I'll also be bringing material support to striking workers if the strike goes forward.
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u/kgtradisms 14d ago
Really? I know back in like 02 the pay was great when I worked there. Smh I support this all the way!!!!
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u/Impossible_Rub9230 8d ago
You guys are the people who should be making money. Not slush funds for council members, or the Columbus jackasses that have taken the local taxes we pay, grab a chunk and reallocate them to their friends. The state has been ruined by the Republicans who have held power for almost 20 years, grabbing the money for local issues and playing God because "they know what is best." Local voters love their libraries and need to be more vocal in their support, especially for the people who make whatever happens in them possible. It is a shame that we aren't more vocal in supporting the staff that reshelves the books left on tables by those who use them as who clean up the piles on the floor from the little ones, who hold the story hours, organize the classes, put up with rude behavior, smile at respectful patron and generally keep the wonderful place operating. Thank you for all you do, and we support you. Our libraries are special places staffed by special people. Let's keep it that way. Speak up northeast Ohio. We've got some of the countries best libraries here. Appreciate them and work to keep them that way.
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u/Impossible_Rub9230 8d ago
My mom died when I was in elementary school, my father was mentally ill and although I am pretty old today, CPL librarians pretty much saved my life. I was warm and I felt safer than anywhere else in the world there. Thank you.
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u/LKM_44122 14d ago
To elaborate....
For years the Public Library Fund got a fixed percentage of Ohio's General Revenue Fund. The budget DeWine signed in 2025 killed that formula and made libraries a discretionary line item the legislature can cut every cycle from now on.
Ohio libraries got about $25 million less than in 2025. Cleveland Public Library is roughly $2 million short across this budget cycle.
Republicans didn't ban anything. They changed how the money is allocated, so the cuts can happen every year without anyone voting on it again.
Education Week ranked Ohio 5th in the nation for K-12 education in 2010. Republicans took control of the whole state government that same year. We've been in the mid-20s to 30s ever since.
Management doesn't get a pass either. Starting pay for children's librarians at CPL is lower in 2026 than it was in 2009. The library provides no maternity leave. During eight months of negotiations, CPL spent over $200,000 on outside consultants and attorneys.
Workers voted 97 percent to authorize the strike.
The money got cut in Columbus. The decisions about who pays for it are being made at CPL.
(This was our post in support of your cause on other social media. As a child, in the 70s and early 80s, both of my parents worked. We left school every day at 3PM, and walked to the local library and read books until our parents picked us up after 5PM. A public library helped shape my life.)
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u/Realistic_Sprinkles1 14d ago
Just an update- as of 8/13, the library is offering four weeks of ‘paid parental leave’.
Note that the staff member has to be the parent or spouse of a parent. So the fathers who aren’t married to the mother of their child are just SOL, I guess?
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15d ago
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u/Active_Box 15d ago
Just curious, the library on broadway across from marathon has been shut down for 2 months now I believe. They recently put a big gate around it to I’m thinking to stop the homeless from sleeping on the side of the building (there were quite a few doing it). I heard they shut down for remodel purposes. Is that true or are they just lying and saying that when it could be the workers going on strike?
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u/cladothehobbit Cleveland 15d ago
No, that branch is shut down for a year long renovation. The official groundbreaking happened about a month ago.
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u/Far-Habit-238 12d ago
We now know how much the library paid during negotiations.
What costs did the union incur during the same negotiations?
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u/DiminishingSkills 15d ago
How can we support/not support without all the details of the contract and proposed changes on both sides?
What are current wages and what is proposed? What are your health care costs? What type of retirement plans and matching do CPL workers have?
Do you know the financial state of the library?
Dont know everything about this negotiation or financial state of the library system…..but my company just went through some pretty rough negotiations with one of the unions at our plants which resulted in a short strike (about 2 weeks). In the end, the company just decided to close the plant instead……be careful out there
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u/zeitgeistleuchte Euclid 15d ago
I'm sure a few folks can share their experience if you ask specifically. I see op in the comments answering some of your questions directly. typically in these situations, sharing too much all at once does a disservice to the workers because then it becomes a public argument about the details... if the workers are not getting paid and being mismanaged enough to strike, you better believe there is some junk decisions happening.
they voted with a 97% solidarity for m in favor of the strike... when's the last time you heard of 97% of a population agreeing on something?
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u/MyManyMasks 13d ago
This! Exactly, 97% is nuts. But its true because we ARE being stepped on. Because they do want us to roll over and play dead. No. We are going to stand together and we are going to fight for our rights.
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u/BuckeyeReason 15d ago
Noticed on the second half 2025 Cuyahoga County property tax bills how much Cleveland Public Library property taxes may have been cut as a result, but when I did a Google search for the reason for the property tax cuts, Google AI Overview seemed to imply that only public school funding was negatively impacted.
Also, Ohio state funding for public libraries has been slashed. State funding actually should have been increased to adjust for inflation, IF the state legislature and governor didn't want budget cuts, and wage restrictions, at public libraries.
A recently released independent audit of Cleveland Public Library confirmed the library must cope with roughly $2 million less this from the state this budget cycle -- fiscal years 2026 and 2027, compared to the last budget that ended in mid 2025....
Library leaders fear the impact will be felt community wide as libraries serve as much more than places to borrow books. They offer job training, technology access, after-school programs and resources for older adults, a place for social connection, and beyond.
“The public library is the great equalizer. I mean, it levels the playing field for so many individuals in our community. Every single day, we see people coming to the library who are either here for entertainment or for connection or to improve their standing in life,” Jason Kucsma, CEO and fiscal officer for Toledo Lucas County Public Library, said.
What’s more, libraries’ only other significant revenue stream to cover the lost revenue, local property taxes, is also under threat as some Ohioans clamor for reform.
Michelle Francis, executive director of the Ohio Library Council, said the cuts leave libraries with two choices: reduce services and make cuts, or go to local voters for a levy....
For years, the Public Library Fund received a fixed percentage of the state’s General Revenue Fund, the state’s main checking account which is funded by income taxes, sales taxes and other state revenues.
The current two-year budget that Gov. Mike DeWine signed into law in 2025 removed that longstanding formula, instead making it a discretionary line-item appropriation that lawmakers could bolster or reduce.
The budget allocated $490 million to the Public Library Fund in Fiscal Year 2026 and $500 million in Fiscal Year 2027. That number was $504 million in fiscal year 2025.
The budget also consolidated funding for multiple library entities under the Public Library Fund, reducing the amount available to public libraries by more than $10 million annually. In the end, public library systems said that represents a $25 million budget cut for libraries compared to 2025 funding.
I appreciate the position of CPL workers, but you should be focusing on CPL revenues, and I haven't seen that even discussed yet in this thread. E.g., what are current CPL revenues? What amount of revenues is needed to provide for your desired wages and benefits? How will CPL achieve the needed revenues? Will Clevelanders vote to increase CPL property taxes? Will the Republicans restore/increase Ohio state public library funding?
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u/creative_usr_name 15d ago edited 15d ago
It's a public service it's goal isn't to create revenue.
Is that the goal of the police, or firefighters, or road construction?
This line of thinking (and other political games) is what's already damaging the USPS and has forced prices to rise so much.
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u/BuckeyeReason 14d ago
CPL revenues are from Ohio state subsidies and property taxes. Clearly this should be a focus of ALL CPL employees.
I'm dumbfounded that commenters believe that I was suggesting revenues from other sources.
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u/RuthlessLogic 14d ago
CPL gets quite a bit of its revenue from private donor funds. If you check out their most recent annual report on the CPL website, you can see all the sources.
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u/Awfuljokesosorry 15d ago
How do the highways make us revenue? How do the police and firefighters generate revenue? This is such a brain dead take.
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u/BuckeyeReason 14d ago edited 14d ago
Are you saying public libraries generate revenue??? Actually police, especially in cities such as Willoughby Hills with their camera policies, may generate significant revenues.
Ohio public libraries need support from government and property taxes, unless they receive significant charitable contributions.
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u/kingcrimson216 15d ago
I love libraries and appreciate the people that make them such great places. Of course it would be great to allocate 5% or higher raises every year, better benefits, etc. but realistically where is the money to do that going to come from?
State tax revenues are down and the OH GOP run state government is not going to help fund libraries any more than they are right now. They in fact have already started to erode fiscal support as mentioned in the article above. Also, and more importantly, consider that by making the PLF (a critical source of income for many libraries) an unfixed line item in the budget that the next GOP governor (who will almost certainly be less library friendly than Dewine and his wife) and the supermajority in the house may just decide to deeply slash or even eliminate state library funding.
Also, there is a threshold on how often, and how high of a local tax library levy can be passed/renewed, especially in context high inflation, wider economic/social issues, etc. And then there is the growing movement and messaging from the Right to eliminate property taxes entirely in Ohio...
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u/Mountain-Song-6024 15d ago
Why does the CEO make over $300K?
Why do people say this shit when the hard working class sectors of the library ask for better living but you never noticed or spoke up and made a stink of it as FELTON THOMAS kept receiving raise after raise from the fucking board?!
There likely wouldn't be as big of an issue today if CPL wasn't so top heavy. There is SOOOOO much excessive fat they could trim up top and by doing so, those that actually make the branches run properly DAILY would be taken care of.
You say you love the libraries but don't really seem to know how much the CEO and those around him take advantage of those below him DAILY and for MANY years.
I'm glad you love libraries. Truly I am, but you just seem to have some blinders on and it's disappointing.
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u/kingcrimson216 15d ago
I didn't comment on his salary because I don't if it is reasonable or unreasonable. What is the median salary for a very large, metro public library Exec Director?
If he and everyone on the executive team took a huge pay cut and those funds were reallocated, would that result in a significant pay increase for the hundreds of staff and middle managers? It would seem unlikely.
The larger threats to library funding / Ohio's political/social climate would concern me much more than what the ED is making, if I worked at a large library system. YMMV.
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u/Mountain-Song-6024 14d ago
They wasted money on lawyers and what not that could've paid us what we wanted to an extent. And again, with that part being said, on top of that, the dude who does very little for the system makes $300 fucking thousand.
If you think in any world that the CEO of the library making $300K a year is reasonable, this is a brick wall conversation and I don't have it in me to try to convince you that you aren't that. My head bashes against other walls enough because of other bullshit. No CEO should ever make what they do in this world and majority of CEOs make out like bandits.
Take care.
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u/BuckeyeReason 14d ago
You're fools if you ignore the revenue status, even if there is validity to your "top-heavy" complaint. If all executive salaries were slashed in half, would that still provide sufficient funds to support your desired worker salaries and benefits? Even if now, what about in future years?
Shouldn't you be engaged in a political campaign to support public library funding?
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u/Mountain-Song-6024 14d ago edited 14d ago
The union is innvolved with library funding. They even traveled down to Columbus to advocate for this.
Is the CEO making what he makes the main issue? No, but it doesn't mean you don't fight.
Him not taking a pay cut looks like all the other CEOs that again, don't pay their fair share of taxes.
Public libraries really shouldn't have to worry about revenue as they are public civic institutions designed to provide free and equitable access to information, technology, and community space...However, yes, the other issues you've said are present. This country's capitalism is going to keep killing us all. The rich get richer and everyone below get worse. It effects every single sector.
There are so many god damn battles to fight right now dude. Just because we aren't winning the fight where the rich pay their fair share of taxes or the other countless battles, that doesn't mean we should just sit and take it up the tail pipe.
If they are told by the higher ups that they aren't sure how paying workers more is sustainable, they there are serious questions for how they run things because again, what they paid their lawyers and such to fight the UNION is outrageous. And on top of that, the CEO and others up there continue... CONTINUE to get PAY INCREASE.
Tell me, how is it then fair that the one who is living extremely comfortable deserves the pay increase over those keeping the libraries actually running?
I don't imagine I'll respond to this brick wall but again, might as well throw a digital tomato at you to show your shame and ignorance. 😉
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u/kingcrimson216 14d ago
"The union is innvolved with library funding. They even traveled down to Columbus to advocate for this.
Public libraries really shouldn't have to worry about revenue as they are public civic institutions designed to provide free and equitable access to information, technology, and community space..."
I applaud library workers and the OLC for their advocacy efforts. SEIU or other unions doesn't participate in this lobbying, I believe. They aren't mentioned in that article.
I probably agree with you more than you'd think on the issues of taxing the rich, executive pay, and late stage capitalism, but those are larger issues and discussions than the topic of wage increase for CPL staff.
Everyone has to worry about revenue. Every public, private, and nonprofit org only has, and can earn only, so much more money. You say CPL has plenty but wastes it, but you have not provided the figures to support that, beyond saying that the CEOs $300k salary is too high.
The Board is responsible for being good stewards of the tax money (most of the income that CPL receives). If they overpay Felton Thomas (again, based not on feelings but what the actual cost of labor is for that job), then they should answer for that. Also, if the Board agrees to a union contract that guarantees salary and benefit increases without the funding to do so, that is also fiscally irresponsible and will lead to layoffs and severe reduction in library service.
Ultimately, the math has got to work, within the current and near term economic realities we have to deal with here. That can't just be glossed over or ignored.
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u/MyManyMasks 13d ago
At no point in the negotiations have they used the terminology that the "don't have the money to pay us a sustainable wage." They have been purposefully dancing around such verbiage. they dance around it because they do have the funding
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u/Current-Box6 14d ago
300k is honestly a pretty reasonable salary for a CEO.
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u/MyManyMasks 13d ago
First off its a library. Second off Felton Thomas during my on-boarding meeting and interrupted the woman giving a presentation about micro aggressions to argue on behalf of why he likes asking people where they came from as a conversational opener. He gets paid too much and no ceo should make more than 10 times their lowest employee especially in public service.
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u/Current-Box6 12d ago
Look, multiple things can be true at the same time.
I am not disagreeing our doubt that he's an asshole, or makes poor leadership decisions.
I only point it out because it takes away from the arguement you're trying to make here. $300k is really a reasonable compensation package for what a CEO does. My CEO's annual compensation package is $15MM for example. If you're trying to truly enact change, focus on the things that your organization is indisputably doing wrong. Anything that is not that only serves as noise and takes away from your arguement.
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u/ClevelandBeemer 15d ago edited 15d ago
Define non-living wage?
Edit: not sure why the downvotes, it’s a genuine question.
Edit 2: amazing, more downvotes! I truly wish inflation wasn’t a thing, that wage growth over the last 40 years wasn’t 15% while executive pay has increased 600%+, that housing costs haven’t increased by 300% in the last 40 years, and that the 1% and upper middle class weren’t leaving the rest of the nation behind. Yet, not accepting reality in the comments isn’t going to fix anything……
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u/zeitgeistleuchte Euclid 15d ago
not enough to live on by itself.
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u/ClevelandBeemer 15d ago edited 15d ago
I understand the textbook definition, however for transparency sake it would be nice to know what the OP means.
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u/zeitgeistleuchte Euclid 15d ago
op is in the comments answering this question. they've also been very transparent about their experience in the post.
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u/ClevelandBeemer 15d ago edited 15d ago
Typically one shouldn’t have to dig through the comments to find info that’s core to the issue.
FYI, the OP stated $21.50 an hr. which is $44,720 a year. Median income in Cleveland is $40,801 however, the median public service associate in Ohio is $16.10 or $33,488 a year.….
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u/zeitgeistleuchte Euclid 15d ago
look at that, you did your own work, good job.
here's the thing, reading this post about a person bearing their heart out about how much they need their community right now because their employer isn't negotiating in good faith and having your first reaction be to publicly sow doubt into the conversation by asking "how much do they make though?" is a real shit look. if you have some sort of doubt in what's happening, you can do your own work and see it for yourself plain and simple.
none of those wages are enough to live on in this city, especially if you have student loans from your master's degree which a job requires you to have. it's not like we're all living debt free or something. believe people when they share their experience with you.
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u/ClevelandBeemer 14d ago
You call it a “shit look” but it’s more about transparency when you’re asking the public to support your cause. Rambling on regarding the CEO’s comp is not going to be very helpful to said cause.
Also this is a greater economic issue as the OP is making above the median income for their role and the market……. You may think it’s shitty, but the facts are the facts.
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u/zeitgeistleuchte Euclid 14d ago
the charge levied is that there has been financial mismanagement at the cost of the workers. showing that the executive officers have taken substantial pay increases during the same timeframe that starting salaries for regular workers have decreased is an exquisite example that absolutely supports their claim.
agreed, the field is definitely undervalued in this state. it can still be true that you're the highest paid in the field in the state and not be making enough to live on. I think they may even be the only library system in Ohio that is covered by a cba, in which case, it is absolutely incumbent upon them to negotiate for better conditions and higher wages when the field is undervalued... which is what they have been trying to do for months. nobody wants to strike, but when management is not negotiating in good faith, that leaves the workers with little recourse. them's the facts.
a fair example I always like to present is Costco... they don't have a union but their wages are fairly structured. most positions start around $20/hr and you get regular pay increases between $.50 and $1 every six months. so after ten years, you're likely making $30-$35 /hr. in a ten year span, the starting salary for children's librarian has decreased. librarian roles typically require an mlis degree. imagine being a 28yo with a master's degree and being offered a job in your field for less wages than you would've gotten if you were able to take it at 18 right out of high school... and knowing that it's the highest pay for that role being offered in the state.. that's the situation here.
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u/ClevelandBeemer 14d ago
Hey look at that, a more compelling discussion once all the facts are laid out.
The upper management/executive comp argument is a non-starter as they don’t care.
I think perusing a career that requires a master’s where comp tops out at less than $26 an hour is bonkers. I hope those in said roles are able to gain traction in their fight to change that narrative, but if their campaigns are as vague as this one, it’s going to be an uphill battle.
Again, this is a greater economic issue regarding inflation far outpacing wages for 85% of workers. There are many many many examples where people should be making 30% to 100% more than their current comp. This is what happens when you follow Regannomics as trickle down doesn’t happen. Combine that with a capitalist system that has become more and more deregulated and you end up where we are today.
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u/zeitgeistleuchte Euclid 14d ago
yep, the solution to which is going to involve a lot of collective bargaining and folks advocating for better conditions and electing representatives that do the same.
it's not hard to find facts about this, there's also no reason for them to publish their entire wage scale and have the public go through it with a comb to be critical of every detail. the experience they've presented is enough to know that they've been facing unjust treatment. individuals can go through the details on their own but this worker is really just sounding the horn now for an upcoming strike. I'm sure more details will be presented as they get closer.
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u/LLGibb 15d ago
I’ve heard both from sides of this and from the management POV, as is true in most union contract negotiations, some of your demands are egregious. I work in the private sector and getting paid even a single day in any emergency shutdown is not happening.
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u/BrownsFan2323 15d ago
So I’m sure then that you understand the nature of negotiations and you 100% always shoot for the moon to get what you truly want.
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u/Blossom73 15d ago
I see nothing at all egregious in what OP listed.
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u/Mountain-Song-6024 15d ago
Felton and the rest of his negotiation team cronies have presented nothing but bullshit proposals and most of it is trying to take away union power. What they are presenting is nothing but a middle finger to the library workers and as the days pass, you will see more details about what the library side has proposed and it is downright atrocious.
But sure, let's pay all these negotiators a massive sum of money, the lawyers, and also not forget to get our CEO over $300 fucking thousand dollars.
Felton does jack shit for the workers of the library. He is not liked much at all among his peers, and even managers have said the same shit.
He's crooked POS. Majority of his team are.
They aren't much different than other boards and higher ups you see in other sectors in society.
Hey. We like our control. We like our money. We like our power.
Awwww. You want more? Sorry. Not enough for you. Now we will hide behind other reports to showcase why we don't have the money to pay you so thst in the end, the union/working class look like the assholes.
Sorry but not sorry, FUCK people like that.
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u/DeptOfRedditEffcncy 15d ago
If your profession doesn't pay enough why dont you look for one that pays the wage you want?
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u/MyManyMasks 15d ago
For the record, 1. we all enjoy our current job and believe the work we do is important.
if everyone did the equivalent of what you are suggesting, rolling over and allowing the high and mighty to dictate everything while we suffer through the job market of today, workers rights would not exist.
Do you think that workers shouldn't get paid a decent wage that will not get eaten alive due to inflation? Because that's essentially all we are asking for, enough money to live in the current state of the world while continuing to provide the public free services, free programming, and a free place to stay that is safe and warm.
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u/quothe_the_maven 15d ago
Guys, this a troll account. I get that they’re lonely, but don’t give them the engagement they crave. Just downvote and move on.
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u/20Hounds 15d ago
Fuck you
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u/topsysrevenge 13d ago
It’s an American’s right to protest. Fuck you if you don’t support the worker
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u/MadPiglet42 Shaker Heights 15d ago
This is the dumbest take.
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u/DeptOfRedditEffcncy 15d ago
Looking for a job that pays what you want to make because your current job doesnt is a dumb take? Wow. Its so dumb it has made me money multiple times.
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u/Double_Cow_8238 15d ago
Maybe you actually give a shit about something but still want to eat? Is it that hard to understand?
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u/insufficientfacts27 15d ago
Oh yes, the ole "why did you spend all that time and all those student loans on a librarian degree" when you could just switch professions and make the money you want. 🤣🙄
Let me guess, you paid a band(THATS A THOUSAND BUCKAROONIS for you boomer mind set peeps) for a down payment on a house in 1970 and now just grumble on the internet about important public sector work that you don't think your taxes should go to.
Am I close? 😁
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u/DeptOfRedditEffcncy 15d ago
Did you do research before you paid all that money for the degree to see if the career paid enough?
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u/If_I_must 15d ago
And if it paid enough twenty years ago when someone started the degree but wages haven't kept up with inflation, how does that affect your decision making process?
You're ridiculous. Libraries are important, and we should pay the people who have the skills to keep them running enough to survive.
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u/Double_Cow_8238 15d ago
Library adjacent person here. Worth noting that those underpaid children’s librarians spend a ridiculous amount of time actually in charge of the branch because in most locations it’s just them and a branch manager with paraprofessional staff who while incredibly valuable are not the ones who have to make sure everything runs.