The 300 staff members at the Orange County (Fla.) Library System appear to be bitterly divided over an upcoming unionization vote.
The January 25 Orlando Business Journal reported that an antiunion group calling itself Listen (Library Staff: Together, Enriched) has been formed, even though more than 130 workers signed a petition to join Service Employees International Union Local 362, forcing the election.
Union backers say benefits, a cap on salaries for the highest paid librarians, and a lack of input into budgeting and branch placement are cited as the main reasons for the push for a union.
Renae Bennett, a 15-year librarian and one of the leaders of Listen, told the newspaper, "This whole thing was started by the same staff members who have caused trouble for a long time. Not a lot makes them happy."
Library management and union officials have yet to agree on a date for the vote.
Posted February 1, 1999.