Boulder Library Union Vote Looms as Trustees Prepare Decision

UPDATE: A pivotal decision on unionization for Boulder Public Library District (BPLD) employees is imminent. The Board of Trustees has delayed a vote to officially recognize the union during a special meeting held on Tuesday, but this procedural move is intended to allow members time to review revisions to the collective bargaining policy draft. An official vote is expected at the board’s meeting on March 10, 2025.

This decision holds urgent significance for library employees, who have expressed a desire for more security and representation through unionization since their initiative surfaced in October 2025. Christine Burke, a volunteer program coordinator and union organizer, emphasized the meeting’s goal was to clarify the policy and gather feedback ahead of the forthcoming vote.

The current draft outlines specific exclusions, notably impacting employees in human resources, finance, and information technology, as well as those who have worked fewer than 500 hours or 90 days in the past year. Some library workers voiced their concerns during the meeting, urging trustees to reconsider these exclusions.

According to the draft, the BPLD will have the authority to negotiate wages, benefits, working conditions, and grievance procedures, but certain topics remain non-negotiable. These include overall staffing levels, the library’s mission, and policies mandated by state law, such as the Library Bill of Rights.

Historically, library workers were affiliated with the Boulder Municipal Employees Association, but this connection was severed when BPLD became established as a separate entity. As BPLD Executive Director David Farnan noted, this shift has shaped the current unionization landscape. Organizers stress that their push for unionization is not a reflection of dissatisfaction but a desire for enhanced job security.

If approved, this would mark the first library district union in Colorado, a significant milestone given the lack of clear laws governing such unions. BPLD workers are covered under the 2023 Protections for Public Workers Act (PROPWA), which provides limited guidance on union recognition but enhances public-sector workers’ rights regarding workplace discussions.

The Board of Trustees has been navigating this complex process through various meetings, including subcommittee sessions and public forums—Tuesday’s meeting marked the fourth public discussion on the unionization effort.

As this situation develops, the library community and supporters are keenly watching for the outcome of the March 10 vote. The potential union, if recognized, would operate under the umbrella of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, representing a significant advancement for public employees in the region.

Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds—your support could help shape the future of BPLD employees.