Workers at Penn Hills Library Vote to Join USW

For Immediate Release: May 21, 2026
Contact: Jenn Wood, [email protected], 412-562-1160

PITTSBURGH – Roughly two dozen Penn Hills Library workers today voted to join the United Steelworkers (USW) union, citing their desire to better serve their community, seek equitable wages and benefits, and have a voice on the job.

The newly unionized workers serve as public service associates, shelving associates, processing associates, library assistants, and other staff.

Workers started organizing this past February, driven by their shared commitment to empowering their community with free and fair access to information and resources, while also ensuring that the workers—many of whom are part-time—are fairly compensated for their services.

“The Penn Hills Library doesn’t work without library workers,” said Public Service Associate Dakota Kuhn. “We deserve a livable wage and the protection that collective bargaining provides to workers.”

“We’re proud to welcome the dedicated staff of the Penn Hills Library into our diverse and powerful union,” said USW District 10 Director Bernie Hall, who represents 50,000 active union members across Pennsylvania. “This group of workers goes above and beyond each day to attend to the needs of their community and neighbors. Beyond providing equitable access to information and resources, Penn Hills Library workers administer free educational programming and activities and run a community fridge stocked with fresh veggies, meal kits, and dairy products for their patrons. They deserve a voice on the job and the same dignity and respect they freely give to others each day.”

The election was held in person this afternoon, and ballots were counted immediately after.  

The Penn Hills Library workers join the growing ranks of USW-represented libraries, following the successful campaign that brought Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh workers into the USW in 2019.

The USW represents 800,000 workers employed in metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply, and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in health care, public sector, higher education, tech, and service occupations.

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