After sustained pressure, library leadership rescinds over 80% of involuntary layoffs; union calls for levy lid lift to prevent future cuts.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 4/15/2026

MEDIA CONTACT: Beth Gawne, (425) 312-4201

Tumwater, WA —  AFSCME Local 3758B, the union representing most Timberland Regional Library (TRL) workers, announces that on Wednesday, April 15th, 2026, TRL leadership agreed to rescind over 80% of involuntary layoff notices sent to frontline library workers in March. This outcome reflects the strength of union workers in rallying public support for library services. We thank everyone—union members, library patrons, and community members —who spoke out and stood with us during this difficult period. 

Of the 61 previously-announced frontline workers being laid off, 17 employees who chose a voluntary layoff option will still be leaving employment with the TRL system by April 30th. Of the remaining 44 involuntary layoff notices sent out March 15th, 36 layoff notices to frontline workers have now been rescinded. This is an unprecedented concession to the ongoing community outcry about the severe impact these layoffs would have to local library services.

Eight branch library assistants, most in their first 6 months of probationary employment, will still be laid off on May 15th.

While this step represents meaningful progress, significant challenges facing the TRL library system remain. Local 3758B calls for a levy lid lift. We recognize how much our communities depend on a stable, well-funded library system. Sustainable public funding through a levy lid lift vote is critical to maintaining staffing levels, preserving access, and meeting the growing needs of our communities. 

At the same time, Local 3758B continues to demand leadership accountability for the lack of accurate, timely, and complete budget forecasting that led  to the current financial crisis. When TRL asks for support via a levy lid lift, the public must know the library has the leadership necessary to sustain essential services over the long term. We call on the TRL Board of Trustees to ensure that concrete steps for accountability are met to ensure a successful levy lid lift for TRL. 

Local 3758B library workers remain committed to advocating for safe working conditions, fair labor practices, a meaningful voice in decision-making, and a strong, financially transparent, well-funded public library system for all.

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Tumwater, WA — Nearly 40% of Timberland Regional Library’s frontline branch staff will be gone by May 15th due to layoffs. Recently, TRL’s Executive Director said in a public meeting of 300 attendees that the Local 3758 union is not interested in furloughs for TRL employees. We want to be clear: the Local 3758 union is interested in any solutions that will save jobs, including furloughs. Our bargaining position has never been against furloughs for workers and we would welcome the opportunity to come back to the table and discuss this with TRL. 

Fundamental disagreements exist over the interpretation of the collective bargaining agreement regarding these layoffs of library workers. We have conducted multiple meetings with the employer’s representatives to articulate our opposition to their proposed application of the layoff procedure. However, TRL has persisted in maintaining their stance.