CUPE’s 22,595 library workers provide frontline services to Canadians across the country. Approximately 12,495 of CUPE’s library workers are in 119 stand-alone public library locals, while the rest belong to locals with members in municipalities, universities, colleges and school boards.

The primary job classifications are librarian, library clerk, library archive technician and page. Most library workers are women (85 per cent); racialized workers account for about 12 per cent of CUPE library members.

Many library workers are in part-time or casual positions. CUPE represents 80 per cent of all unionized library workers in Canada. The majority are in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia, and we have members in most other provinces.