Monday 9 January 2023
For immediate release
Library staff at Hackney council begin first day of industrial action tomorrow
Library staff working for Hackney Council, walk out tomorrow (Tuesday) in the first of four days of industrial action.
The dispute is over council plans to cut 19 full time equivalent posts, which could see up to 44 people losing their jobs.
UNISON, the union representing the workers, have put forward a number of alternative proposals, which Hackney council have not responded to.
UNISON Hackney branch secretary Matthew Paul said: “These plans aren’t just about job losses. Cutting staff will make it harder to prevent or manage health and safety issues, not to mention will affect the quality of service overall.”
UNISON Greater London regional organiser Fran Allton said: “We’re really disappointed that it has come to this. Library staff do not want to strike, but they feel they’re left with no choice as the council aren’t listening to their concerns.
We urge them to work with us to find a solution, compulsory redundancies are not the answer.”
Media contact:
Emma Davey E: e.davey@unison.co.uk M: 07432 733187
Notes to editors:
- Library workers will be walking out 10, 12, 16 and 20 January.
- Picket lines will be taking place on 10 and 12 January outside Hackney Central 8:30am-midday and Dalston libraries 8:30am-10am.
- There will be a lunchtime rally outside Hackney Town Hall from midday on 10 and 12 January.
- The ‘up to 44 job losses’ is calculated due to the number of staff on part-time contracts
- You can sign a copy of the petition here
- UNISON and Unite will be giving evidence on the restructure to the Council’s Skills, Economy and Growth Scrutiny Commission on Mon 9th Jan from 7pm. The meeting documents and UNISON’s presentation is available here.