Penn Libraries union workers filed an unfair labor practices charge against the University on Thursday.

The charge, submitted to the National Labor Relations Board on Sept. 24, alleges that Penn has engaged in Bad Faith Bargaining. The workers — organized under Local 590 of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees — have been bargaining without an active contract since the end of July.

According to a social media post by AFSCME District Council 47, the charge stems from “a proposed one-time payment” raised during contract negotiations. The union alleged that Penn “repeatedly” advanced payment proposals of $1,200, but later removed them “without adding to the economic value elsewhere.”

The removal, the union added, was “because University leadership sought to avoid establishing a precedent for other bargaining units.” 

The union also argued that Penn violated the National Labor Relations Act by appointing a representative “who lacked sufficient authority to reach agreement at the bargaining table,” with higher-level approval needed for bargaining proposals.

“Penn has been bargaining in good faith and, together with the union, has made significant progress,” a University spokesperson wrote. “We believe a fair contract can be achieved​ for all parties.”

AFSCME District Council 47 lead negotiator Sarah Shaw argued that the bargaining process and recent charge are not related to “a resource problem.” She wrote in a statement that the union has “negotiated first contracts with much smaller employers that have far fewer resources but have been willing to put more on the table.”

“The problem is the University’s aggressive union-busting, so aggressive that they apparently don’t think twice about violating labor law to discourage unions on campus,” Shaw added.

The NLRB charge comes amid a period of increased union activity across Penn.

Penn Libraries staff have been bargaining with the University at the same time as Penn Dining workers, who are also represented by AFSCME District Council 47. Last month, Shaw explained that negotiations for Penn Libraries United workers reached agreements on “maintaining health, retirement, and other benefits at their current levels.” That leaves pay as the main site of continuing bargaining.

The University is also negotiating with its research associate and postdoctoral worker union, which is seeking its first contract after unionizing in July 2025. On Sept. 22, Penn and the union met for their 16th bargaining session.

In August, Penn brought its graduate worker union to court, arguing that the union could not pursue arbitration over a dispute involving who its bargaining unit represents. The disagreement centers on the terms of the contract, which the two parties agreed to in February.

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