Library workers starting to talk strike
Frustrated Rockford Public Library workers working under an expired contract since December are talking about a strike.
Not only are the workers unhappy with a lack of progress on issues related to pay and benefits, union leaders say Rockford library officials have not moved quickly enough on demands for safety training.
Workers say a request to establish a health and safety committee in their contract was rejected, said Sara Dorner, staff representative for AFSCME Council 31.
“Unfortunately, there are a lot of people who come in off the street, come into the library, and the library staff are tasked with handling so many situations that are not in their wheelhouse,” Dorner said. “We’ve been telling library administration for years that we’re not prepared for this, which is why we brought it to the bargaining table.
Despite repeatedly asking for specific trainings, library administration has “failed to provide them,” Dorner said.
What training are library workers asking for?
Library workers want the library to provide “Code Adam” training, a missing child safety protocol; active shooter training; training on how to operate automated external defibrillators; naloxone or Narcan administration; what to do if there is a bomb threat; conflict de-escalation especially for someone suffering a mental health crisis; fire safety and evacuation; tornado watch and warning protocols; and basic first aid.
What is the Rockford Library Board’s position?
Rockford Library Board President Paul Logli said administration has not indicated any final position on requests for additional safety training and that the issues remains under discussion. Logli said some negotiation stances are
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The couple came to Rockford after Parker served with the 102nd United States Army Colored Troops, which fought to retain the union.
The couple became respected community members in Rockford.
Parker was an active member in the Grand Army of the Republic; and Mary was a member of the auxiliary, the Women’s Relief Corps. Their membership was at a time when integration in civic organizations was anything but typical.
Parker died of rheumatism on April 4, 1891, and was buried at Cedar Bluff Cemetery without a headstone. After working with the local and the federal Veterans Administration, Ruffin secured a gravestone for him.
Veterans Memorial Hall and the Rockford Public Library also were instrumental in providing research on the Parker family.
A group of volunteers known as 815 Stone Scrubbers is currently cleaning headstones of Civil War Veterans and are in the process of ordering more stones for Civil War vets without a headstone and replacing damaged ones at Cedar Bluff and Greenwood cemeteries.
To volunteer or offer support, contact 815stonescrubbers@gmail.com.