Why Workers Walked Out of Southeast Regional Library Over Dangerous Conditions
In mid September, a planned roof replacement project began at Southeast Regional Library in Garner. The library was to remain open to the public for the duration of this project, and staff were assured that it would be completely safe to remain open.
On September 28, library workers began noticing noxious fumes and experiencing acute symptoms. These symptoms were reported to County administrators. County admin assured staff that it was safe. It was suggested that those experiencing symptoms may just be sensitive to odors. One of the compounds onsite was identified as Sarnacol AD Adhesive, which carries warnings of acute toxicity from inhalation.
Conditions inside the library on Thursday, October 1, became too unsafe to ignore. Library workers made the call to evacuate the building. After three more days of partial or full closures and cancelled programs, County officials finally deemed conditions severe enough to close the branch for the remainder of the project. This closure only happened because of the brave actions taken by library staff to protect themselves and their community.
The abrupt closure has also resulted in the cancellation of over 50 planned programs and services. This was completely preventable: a planned construction project should have accounted for risks like toxic compounds. A scheduled branch closure would have prioritized health and safety and greatly reduced service disruptions.
What Do We Want?
Wake County to take accountability for their inaction,
To investigate the failures in assessing the risks of this project, and
To reinstate the personal sick leave that library workers used to recover from their exposure-related symptoms.
How You Can Help!
We ask our community, supporters, and library patrons to join us in calling for accountability from County officials:
Library Commission: library.commission@wake.gov
County Manager, David Ellis: 919-856-6180 // david.ellis@wake.gov
Community Services Director, Frank Cope: 919-856-5562 // fcope@wake.gov
This article was first published by Library Workers United.
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