Homewood library staff members join union

Homewood Public Library.

First library to organize in south Chicago suburbs.

In February 2016, employees reached out to the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 31. All but two of the nearly 60 non-management employees signed on to unionize.

Certified by the Illinois Labor Relations Board last August, the group then went on to form a four-person bargaining committee, choosing Lisa Stilts, paraprofessional in Library Services, as president. Other committee members include Sandra Sullivan and Caitlyn Archer-Helke, both librarians, and Sue Ryan, circulation clerk.

The first bargaining session is slated for April 28.