Fed-up Memphis Public Library employees’ quest to become reclassified as civil service employees has entered a new chapter after the Memphis City Council voted Tuesday, Feb. 24, to send a charter amendment to voters.
The item passed 10-1.
A notice on the agenda moving the item’s third council vote to March 24 prompted sponsor JB Smiley Jr. to press for a public vote on the long-running issue. The 2026 candidate for Shelby County mayor originally introduced the charter amendment on Oct. 21, 2025.
If voters approve the amendment on Nov. 3, the employees would join the ranks of city workers permitted to bargain collectively. In addition to negotiating for better pay and working conditions — both concerns of many library employees — the change would provide employment protections.
The vast majority of the system’s estimated 270 employees are currently classified as “appointed” employees. As such, they can be hired and fired at the will of the mayor.
If voters approve the reclassification, library workers would be required to reapply for their current jobs and a charter provision stipulates “job-related examinations” for civil service employees.
A former Memphis Library employee expressed concerns that current staff weren’t fully aware of the ramifications of the vote. However, one of the representatives of the library workers confirmed the concern.
“As it relates to civil service status and those jobs being reposted, that’s in our charter,” said cosponsor Pearl Walker. “There are many of you who don’t believe what’s in our charter with respect to having to reapply for your jobs.”
Despite word from a library employee, the appointed workers couldn’t locate the provision in the charter. The city’s attorney assured members it is in the rule book.
“I’m sure they have copies of our charter at the library,” chided Alan Wade. “All applicants for employment in positions protected by this article shall be subjected to competitive job-related examinations …”
Council member Jeff Warren proposed a tweak to the amendment’s language that would allow library employees to remain on the job after the reclassification process. However, Wade cautioned against adding language. He told members that including the protection could lead to lawsuits from other civil service employees alleging discrimination.
The only member who voted against the measure criticized the city’s path to certification altogether.
“I don’t think civil service is the mechanism for the future. I think the point is civil service is archaic in the way it is executed,” said Council member Chase Carlisle. “The fact that we roll people for 36 months plus without any sort of employment certainty is insane. And there’s no fix for that today.”
Anti-immigration resolution passes
Council members also approved a nonbinding resolution requesting a halt to increased anti-immigration enforcement operations occurring nationwide. Michalyn-Easter Thomas requested a freeze of funding to the two Homeland Security Department agencies responsible for enforcement — Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection.
The resolution was amended by Warren to continue funding to other DHS departments. It was approved by a 7-1-3 vote.
Committees approve funds for MATA
Personnel and Governmental committee members also quietly approved $9 million in city capital funding for the Memphis Area Transit Authority.
Three resolutions were introduced by Council member Edmund Ford Sr. during the afternoon meeting’s consent agenda. The bulk of the money—$7 million—will be dedicated to the Innovation Corridor Project, along with various other uses.
The proposed rapid transit route running east-west along Poplar Avenue and Union Avenue will connect downtown with the University of Memphis.
All three resolutions passed unanimously using same-night minutes.
MATA has also seen increased ridership since it instituted a “zero fare” program across the city. According to MATA trustee Rodrick Holmes, 25% more riders have boarded buses since the pilot program began in November.
