Boston Public Library employees are rallying together to support a colleague in need. Eve Griffin, the curator of fine arts for BPL, was diagnosed with terminal stage 4 metastatic breast cancer in 2019. After exhausting her own sick days and leave, she turned to her coworkers for help. The Professional Staff Association (PSA), a union representing librarians, archivists, curators, conservators, and professional staff at the Boston Public Library (BPL), set up a public petition urging the BPL’s Board of Trustees to grant Griffin the extended sick time she desperately needs.
In November 2024, Griffin submitted a request to the PSA’s Extended Sick Leave Fund Committee, which was approved by the union. However, the BPL and the city’s Office of Labor Relations (OLR) denied the request, citing “operational constraints.” This decision sparked outrage among BPL staff members, leading to the PSA and the American Federation of State County and Municipal Workers Local 1526 (AFSCME) delivering a petition signed by over 200 staff members to BPL President David Leonard and the Board of Trustees.
The Board of Trustees has refrained from commenting directly on the matter, citing confidentiality and privacy concerns. Allie Hahn, president of the PSA, expressed disappointment with the response, highlighting the importance of supporting staff in times of need. The BPL allegedly indicated that Griffin needed to be present at work more frequently if her request were to be granted, further adding to the controversy.
In an effort to garner more support and attention for Griffin’s case, the PSA went public with their advocacy. At a recent Board of Trustees meeting on February 4, several attendees, including PSA members, voiced their concerns and urged the board to reconsider their decision. Kathleen Monahan, vice president of the PSA, emphasized the impact of denying sick bank hours on staff members facing health crises.
The PSA is convening for an executive meeting on February 11 to discuss the next course of action. Plans to engage with the Boston City Council and Mayor Michelle Wu’s office are in the pipeline. Despite the challenges faced, the union remains steadfast in their support for Griffin and the larger message of mutual care within the BPL community.
As the situation unfolds, the BPL employees continue to stand by Eve Griffin, advocating for her right to the sick time she urgently requires to focus on her health and well-being.
