Background to the Lambeth Libraries workers' dispute
Following the announcement of £1 million cut to Lambeth Libraries and the subsequent proposed restructure, UNISON met with Lambeth Council directors and offered what they thought was a reasonable compromise on their plans. UNISON’s proposals were to protect workers in libraries from the fear of redundancy and unreasonable shift patterns. Unfortunately management rejected this offer. All library staff met and announced the first in a series of strikes in Lambeth libraries. They voted unanimously to walk out on Wednesday 2nd July. The library workers care strongly about their work and this decision has not been taken lightly. They will not be paid for strike days but feel they have no other choice to protect their jobs, the libraries and their services.
This is a strike hardship fund arranged by Lambeth Mutual Aid (a local solidarity group) with the hope that we can alleviate some of the loss of earnings by library workers. We believe that these workers deliver a fantastic service in the heart of our community and are being attacked by cuts from a council hell bent on hollowing out and decaying the libraries and their workers' livelihoods.
Any money made from this fund will go straight to the workers who will otherwise be losing pay. If you can, please give a little and continue to put pressure on Lambeth Council to meet with UNISON and reverse these disastrous cuts.
