Post

Memphis, do you have questions about the ballot referendums? Don't sweat; MLK50 has a quick breakdown for you. Let's start with the library workers’ charter referendum 📕📘📙

What is Referendum No. 5966? The city charter referendum will determine if library workers will become civil service employees. The referendum is wordy and barely mentions library employees at all, but it determines whether they receive the same protections as other regular city workers.

🗳 If you vote FOR ... Then regular library workers will be reclassified from appointed employees to civil service employees. Library workers are urging Memphians to vote “for the amendment” on the ballot, making them civil service employees.

🗳 If you vote AGAINST ... Then library workers don’t have bargaining rights and don't have the same protections as other city workers, meaning they cannot form a union.

Why library workers want your support: Currently, all library workers in Memphis are considered appointed by the mayor. Being appointed means no procedures or policies for hiring and firing and no formal grievance or appeals process, library workers have said.