Salary: Very low wages; no increases until union negotiates a new contract every 5 years or so. Even then, it only amounts to a cost of living increase. If you work only part-time, you don't get any raises until the minimum wage increases. You could be working there for 8 years with no increase, no benefits.
Nepotism: When a promotional job is advertised, don't bother applying unless you are a favorite of management, i.e, sucking up to them, gossiping with them, stabbing your co-workers in the back for them, etc. They already have someone in mind for that job, and that person will get it!
No justice: Managers welcome spying on co-workers; love to hear gossip and encourage it from those who are brown-noses, but you never get a fair hearing. Once something is said by one of their cronies, you ARE guilty!
- Hardworking clericals are penalized by being made to take on additional jobs, while the lazy coast along and get away with it. They aren't required to do much, so long as they show up and kiss-up.
Unprofessional: Managers are very disrespectful, many times in public, to librarians that they don't like. They are constantly being scolded in public and in staff rooms, rather than in private meetings.
- Managers have racist attitudes, and make racist comments depending on what neighborhood they are in. In my heavily Jewish community, I've heard many racist comments by management about the patron population.
Limited scope: Due to lack of staff, librarians are relegated to doing practically the same job that the clericals do. They sit at the reference desk all day issuing library cards, helping patrons use the computer, and throwing out perfectly useful books (weeding the collection), because the shelves are too full, instead of creating programs that promote literacy and a love for the written word.
- In keeping with the above, when there is down time, we are not allowed to read a book at the reference desk. God forbid that we should give the impression that reading is a good thing. I guess "Candy Crush" is a preferable alternative.
Union ( yes, I have it both in the pro and the con!) Protects the job of the hardworking, as well as the job of the person who shows up and does absolutely nothing all day!
