Library Workers Stand Together and Win

In March of 2026, Kitchigami Regional Library System (KRLS) workers with AFSCME Local 210-13 submitted a 545-signature petition to the KRLS Library Board making the following requests:

1. Terminate the employment of Technical Services Manager Tami Beto.
2. Remove or place Director Melissa Whatley on probation with mandated training and oversight.
3. Establishing clear accountability measures to ensure ethical leadership, safe workplaces, and responsible stewardship of public funds.

These requests came after serious misconduct by Beto, including racial and sexual harassment, retaliation, wage discrimination, insubordination, and repeated violations of hiring and workplace policies. Whatley was also portraying leadership failures, including reinstating Beto despite documented misconduct, overseeing a flawed investigation, failing to protect staff from retaliation, breaking commitments to repair harm, neglecting transparency, and permitting unfair labor practices.

In a victory for workers, accountability, and trust, the KRLS Board voted at its most recent meeting to terminate both Beto and Whatley. Following the leadership changes, the board voted unanimously to approve a new union contract that delivers major wins for the library’s dedicated staff.

KRLS demanded and won a safe workplace by standing together. For the library staff who risked retaliation to protect their coworkers and the community they serve, the board's decision is a profound vindication.

However, workers remain deeply skeptical. This was a year-long battle, and the library board could have fixed the problem immediately by firing the management involved months ago. While staff are celebrating the contract, they are wary of the board's delay and recognize that real progress will require a major shift toward better communication.

Melissa Dingman, Local 210-13 Secretary: "When we started that petition, we said the time for discussion had passed and meaningful change was necessary. By removing these administrators and passing a strong contract, the board has taken a big first step toward restoring trust in our library system."

Significant Contract Gains for Library Staff
The momentum of the worker-led campaign carried straight to the bargaining table. In addition to a complete overhaul of leadership, AFSCME Council 65 members successfully secured a powerful new collective bargaining agreement, winning steady wage increases and other strong contract language. Passed unanimously by the library board, the contract marks a step forward for workplace safety and economic fairness.

This victory serves as a powerful reminder of what happens when public servants organize and stand in solidarity. Kitchigami Regional Library System is a vital public institution, and it will now be led into the future with the transparency, respect, and dignity that both its workers and the community deserve.