Camden County Library Workers Protest Low Wages

CWA members in Camden County, NJ protest low wages with red t-shirts.

Many of Camden County Library's workers are making less than $9 an hour -- just barely above minimum wage and not enough to make ends meet. But when CWAers wore red shirts protesting their poverty wages, management tried to silence them with discipline.

The Camden County Library System in New Jersey includes eight branches scattered throughout the county, and workers' current contract extends through the end of this year.

In preparation for contract renegotiation, and as a statement of solidarity, workers came to work in t-shirts with a clear message: Camden County Library System: Highest rated county service, Lowest paid county workers. The workers wear red shirts every Thursday, but this time management objected and threatened discipline unless the workers removed the shirts.

“The library support staff should be treated with respect and be paid fairly, " said CWA Natonal Staff Representaive Jim McAsey.  "It’s not right that they are paid poverty wages and then threatened if they wear shirts with slogans on them that protest their low pay.  We are going to fight for $15 an hour and protect the workers’ freedom of speech on the job.”

The actions of managers violates the workers’ free speech rights, and representatives plan to wear them at a meeting of the County Library Commission.

Negotiations with the library management are ongoing. Workers are figthing for a livable salary, and a right to express themselves on the job.