Library workers, a union representative and members of the public urged the Santa Cruz City Council to improve safety, support and compensation for library employees during the meeting’s oral‑communications period.

Several speakers described repeated incidents of harassment and assault at branch libraries and said workers were being required to use accrued sick time or lose pay after being assaulted on the job. One online speaker said, "After being [assaulted], if they go home, they'll get that day's pay docked," and called the practice "reprehensible." The speaker urged the city to provide social‑service support and to consider city‑trained security personnel.

Renee, who identified herself as a library worker of 36 1/2 years, said she has "heard from everybody and all of the reports...if I was still working the desk, I would not be here anymore," and described repeated incidents including spitting, shoving and threats. Another worker and commenters said library employees sometimes must choose between going home for their health and losing pay.

SEIU‑affiliated speakers and others said bargaining over safety has not produced timely results and that public scrutiny—including coverage by the Sentinel—had prompted more attention but that more action was needed. One speaker who identified as a union representative said the union had been pushed toward a strike and urged council members to approve additional funding and to direct human resources to continue negotiations and implement safety measures.

Council members did not take immediate action during the meeting but heard multiple requests: paid time for workers following assaults, additional security presence, social‑work supports in branches, and higher wages. Council members responded by noting the city’s role in labor negotiations and saying they expect staff and HR to continue work on those issues in coordination with the bargaining process.

Why this matters: Library staff are city employees who serve the public, and repeated assaults, and the contested practice of docking pay for employees who must go home after assaults, raise workplace‑safety, labor and liability questions for the city. The matter is also connected to current bargaining with SEIU and could lead to further labor action.

What's next: Several speakers said bargaining will continue and some said strike action remains possible; the council’s closed session earlier included labor negotiations as a topic, and staff said HR and negotiators will continue to work with the union.