The library continues to drag its feet on bringing the payroll errors grievance- where 200 Local 1482 members have not been paid correctly for years- to a resolution. The time for stalling and excuses has passed.
To show solidarity with affected members, and to demonstrate our power, we invite Local 1482 members to wear Pay Us What We Are Owed buttons. Please contact President Olken or members of the Executive Board to have buttons sent to you to distribute at your work locations.
We have prepared talking points that outline the pay errors grievance and why it matters. These will assist you in having informed conversations with your coworkers, answering patron questions, and more. The talking points are listed below, but you can also find a printable PDF and an image file of the button on this page.
Why We’re Wearing “Pay Us What We’re Owed” Buttons
What’s Happening
● Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) pays nearly 200 clerical workers and custodians below contractual minimums.
● These union workers have faced years of payroll errors amounting to more than $250,000 in annual underpayment.
● Many workers are still receiving inaccurate paychecks every pay period—two years after filing our first grievance and despite repeated meetings with BPL administration.
● This affects multiple job titles and has led to serious financial and emotional hardship for workers.
Why WE Matter
● BPL staff are essential community workers—helping Brooklynites access job resources, providing exceptional programming, helping patrons navigate our technology and digital resources—the list goes on.
● Library staff continue to serve with dedication—despite being denied fair compensation.
● These workers show up every day—but are not being paid correctly for their work.
● When payroll issues go unresolved, the stability of library services—and our communities—is at risk!
How You Can Help
● Speak up: Let BPL administration and Elected Leaders know that the public cares—library workers deserve fair pay.
● Show support: A simple “I support you” goes a long way.
To show solidarity with affected members, and to demonstrate our power, we invite Local 1482 members to wear Pay Us What We Are Owed buttons. Please contact President Olken or members of the Executive Board to have buttons sent to you to distribute at your work locations.
We have prepared talking points that outline the pay errors grievance and why it matters. These will assist you in having informed conversations with your coworkers, answering patron questions, and more. The talking points are listed below, but you can also find a printable PDF and an image file of the button on this page.
Why We’re Wearing “Pay Us What We’re Owed” Buttons
What’s Happening
● Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) pays nearly 200 clerical workers and custodians below contractual minimums.
● These union workers have faced years of payroll errors amounting to more than $250,000 in annual underpayment.
● Many workers are still receiving inaccurate paychecks every pay period—two years after filing our first grievance and despite repeated meetings with BPL administration.
● This affects multiple job titles and has led to serious financial and emotional hardship for workers.
Why WE Matter
● BPL staff are essential community workers—helping Brooklynites access job resources, providing exceptional programming, helping patrons navigate our technology and digital resources—the list goes on.
● Library staff continue to serve with dedication—despite being denied fair compensation.
● These workers show up every day—but are not being paid correctly for their work.
● When payroll issues go unresolved, the stability of library services—and our communities—is at risk!
How You Can Help
● Speak up: Let BPL administration and Elected Leaders know that the public cares—library workers deserve fair pay.
● Show support: A simple “I support you” goes a long way.
