Camden Libraries have been closed due to industrial action since Thursday 26th February 1998. The strike is solid and management have only been able to offer a limited service at one or two of the thirteen libraries in the Borough.
The latest package of proposals was sent in a letter to the Regional Organiser. It arrived just 45 minutes before the start of the strikers' meeting. As a result the library workers felt they were unable to make a decision based on a document which they had not had time to study. Another meeting was called for the 31/3/98 and the proposals were presented to library workers.
The library workers voted not to accept the package as it contained no guarantees on staff downgradings, nor did it address the issues concerning changes to part-timers working hours. The meeting also agreed that the dispute could not be resolved by correspondence alone and urged management to return to local negotiations.
The library strikers have organised a public meeting which will be held on Wednesday 15th April at 730pm, Conway Hall, Red Lion Sq. WCI, near Holborn Tube station. It will be entitled 'The Future of Camden Libraries'. There will be a number of guest speakers including local celebrities and dignitaries. There is also to be a demonstration on Saturday 18th April. Starting at 1230pm at St. Pancras library (opposite St. Pancras train station, Euston Rd).
In 25 years as a union negotiator I cannot ever recall an employer like Camden who are not capable of negotiation. They fail to realise that all disputes require resolution and that that resolution can only come about by negotiation. They have somewhat whimsically told us that they have lost faith in our ability to negotiate. They have put an offer to us and taken it away put it back and taken it away again. They cannot dangle these baubles in front of us hoping in some tantalising way, we will be grateful.
There are serious issues affecting staff and the service they provide to library users.
The way forward is for sustained negotiations that should continue until there is a satlsfactoy resolution. The residents of Camden deserve no less than that. UNISON is not seeking improvements to pay or conditions or a reduction in the working week. We are seeking as far as possible to fend off cuts in living standards and to preserve and improve the library service. An indication to demonstrate that the Council are not committed to that principle comes in a secret document given to UNISON that proposes the closure of two libraries and the deletion of at least one of the "new library " jobs even before it is filled
Eddy Coulson, Regional Organiser, UNISON
Camden UNISON, 59 Phoenix Court, Brill Place, London, NWI I ES
Telephone: 0171-911-1633 (Direct Line) 0171-278-4444 Ext. 4012
David Eggmore: Home - 0171 359 1983 Work - 0171 911 1633
Liz Leicester: Work - 0171 911 1686