IAM Members Help Save 12 Library Jobs

Contributor: Elizabeth Cespuglio, Local IAM 1930 Steward

When the City’s original budget proposal threatened to eliminate 14 jobs at the Long Beach Public Library, IAM members knew we couldn’t sit back and wait for someone else to fight for us.

Library staff, working alongside IAM, showed up at City Council week after week. We spoke out, organized, and helped rally the public to stand up for our jobs, our coworkers, and the library services our community depends on.

Our collective action made a difference!

After weeks of advocacy, City Council approved a budget that restored 12 of the 14 library positions originally proposed for elimination.

That means 12 jobs that were at risk are being preserved. It means more library staff available to serve the public. And it means a powerful reminder of what workers can accomplish when we stand together.

This is what union power looks like!

Our members didn’t wait for someone else to solve the problem. We took action.

While others may not have recognized the role IAM members played in this fight, we know what happened: workers organized, the public responded, and City Council changed course.

This victory belongs to everyone who showed up, spoke out, and refused to accept the original cuts.

Now we need YOU!

We are currently in the middle of contract negotiations. The fight to protect our jobs, improve our working conditions, and secure a fair contract continues.

But our strength at the bargaining table depends on our strength as a membership.

The more workers who stand together, the stronger our voice.

If you are not yet an IAM member, now is the time to join. Join here https://eforms.iamaw.org/memapp/947/1930

Don’t wait until your job is on the line to get involved. Join the coworkers who are already standing up and fighting for our future.

Join IAM! Stand together! Fight Together!

Your voice matters. Your membership matters. Our collective action matters.

The Library is supported by Shop Stewards Elizabeth Cespuglio, Cyndi Effrain, Helaire Hamilton, Norberto Ledesma and Vern Stephens. If you have questions and concerns, please reach out to one of our stewards for assistance.