Denver Public Library Workers United (DPLWU-CWA) announced a sweeping victory last week, with workers voting 96% in favor of joining CWA Local 7799. The newly recognized union represents a wall-to-wall group of 575 public library workers. It is the first large group to gain recognition under Denver’s city and county collective bargaining law.
Using the “direct join” process, a group of public library workers formed DPLWU in 2021. These workers, along with many other CWA members in Denver, led the fight to win municipal collective bargaining at the ballot box in 2024. With the successful union election, the members of DPLWU made CWA history as the first public sector direct join union to secure full collective bargaining rights—including strike rights—and win a representation election.
CWA Local 7799 President Jade Kelly stated, “Our bargaining committee is elected and ready to turn this landslide union victory into a historic contract, a meaningful seat at the table, and the strong public library that Denver deserves.”
Congratulations to members of Denver Public Library Workers United-CWA!
Members of Denver Public Library Workers United-CWA celebrated a landslide victory in their vote to join CWA Local 7799.
