Organizing Victory: Upper Darby Library Workers Overwhelmingly Vote to Join AFSCME Council 13

Workers at the Upper Darby Township and Sellers Memorial Free Public Library won their union with AFSCME Council 13, marking a major victory for library workers seeking a stronger voice on the job and a brighter future for the communities they serve.

The workers voted overwhelmingly in favor of joining AFSCME after months of organizing and one-on-one conversations with coworkers about the issues facing their workplace.

"We wanted to form a union because we felt like we'd have more bargaining power to change our situation," said Program Coordinator Jean Kosha. "People are really interested in forming a union, and they're excited about what it will bring."

For Customer Service Assistant Hunter Montgomery, the campaign was driven by the passion he sees every day among his coworkers.

"People work at the library because it's important," Montgomery said. "They know it's a valuable service and a place where people can come and get their problems solved. That passion is something none of my coworkers lack."

As workers discussed what they wanted to improve, they found overwhelming support for forming a union.

"People wanted more agency at work and a bigger voice in decisions that have such a huge effect on the services we can offer the community," Montgomery said. "Once people realized the power that collective action gives you, it kind of felt easy. The momentum just kept building, and we were able to ride that wave of enthusiasm right through the successful election."

While fair wages and a strong first contract are top priorities, library workers say their organizing effort is also about protecting and strengthening a vital public institution.

"We serve everybody," Kosha said. "It's not only about checking out books. It's about serving the community."

Modern libraries have become community hubs where residents can access technology, apply for jobs, receive assistance with government services, escape dangerous weather conditions, participate in educational programming, and find resources that improve their daily lives.

"I'd honestly ask, 'What don't libraries do for our community?'" Montgomery said. "We're removing barriers—whether they're technological or financial—and making sure people can access the services and programs that are already there."

Now that they have won their union, the library workers are looking ahead to negotiating their first contract with priorities that include fair wages, cost-of-living adjustments, stronger workplace protections, and a greater voice in shaping the future of the library.

"We're excited to have a bigger say in our workplace and in the decisions that affect both employees and the people we serve every day," Montgomery said.

Kosha believes the overwhelming support demonstrated throughout the organizing campaign will carry into contract negotiations.

The victory also sends a message to workers everywhere about the power of solidarity.

"I hope people see organizations like ours come together and realize that getting together with your coworkers can make a huge positive difference in the workplace," Montgomery said. "I think it can for almost everyone."

Congratulations to the newest members of the AFSCME Council 13 family! Together, these workers have amplified a stronger voice for themselves, their library, and the Upper Darby community they proudly serve.