Post Rockford Public Library Cuts to be Analyzed by Union, AFSCME 3350

The Rockford Public Library would close the Lewis Lemon Branch, lay off two dozen staffers and six management-level employees, and reduce hours at all libraries, under a reorganization proposal unanimously approved Monday....AFSCME 3350 the union representing 86 librarians, librarian assistants, librarian interns, clerks and maintenance workers has 10 days to review the proposal and offer alternative solutions.

AFSCME 3350 President Karla Janssen:
"The children in Rockford will be affected dramatically. I feel safe saying that."

But the collective bargaining unit has 10 days to change that. Today's brainstorm session was closed to the public, but Janssen said all ideas are on the table, including reducing hours and generating revenue. And she's optimistic the group isn't wasting its time

"Hopefully we can minimize the effect. Whether we can save my job or not, I don't know, but certainly we want to minimize the effect to all of our members." See videdo interview here.