MIT Libraries support staff vote to unionize
MIT Libraries support staff voted Nov. 6. to unionize and to certify the American Federation of State Council and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) to represent them. Library administrative staff voted to not unionize.
The support staff’s movement to unionize began in early October, with library workers submitting a petition to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and creating a website to campaign for “A Better MIT.”
Sixty members of the support staff voted in favor, while four voted against. Not all eligible members of the support staff voted.
Of the 35 voting members of the administrative staff, 24 voted against being represented by the AFSCME, and 27 voted against a mixed unit to represent them.
The results of the election are not final until they are certified by the regional NLRB, according to an email to The Tech from Chris Bourg, director of MIT Libraries.
Bourg added, “Library staff have made their voices heard, and the administration will honor the results of the election. We will continue to prioritize the concerns of our staff and remain committed to working productively together to ensure the health and wellbeing of all library employees.”