Camden UNISON Press Release

Camden Library Workers Strike Update

1. Management withdraw from local negotiations after meetings with the arbitrators the Greater London Provincial Council Joint Secretaries.
2. Library workers vote to continue strike, 20/03/98, 106-0 (all in favour).
3. 12 out of 13 public libraries remain closed ,along with the Home,Mobile and Schools Library services. The schools library service normally serves all primary, special schools & childrens' centres in Camden,
4. Overwhelming public support with over six thousand signatures collected.

Background

Strike action commenced on 26th February 1998 as a response to management plans to implement a staffing review, resulting in redundancies, job cuts and change in working patterns. The creation of additional management posts is at the expense of front-line staff leading to a drastic reduction in the level of service. Some staff are to be downgraded thereby forced to suffer pay cuts and loss of earnings.

The staffing review precedes the strategic review of all Camden Libraries, the latter carried out by a firm of private consultants with no library expertise.

Stop Press

Coverage invited to a mass picket ;St.Pancras Library, Argyle Street, Euston Road WCI- 8.30 A.M onwards,Thursday 26th March 1998.

Expected Rodney Bickerstaffe, General Secretary UNISON, up to 100 staff and supporting entertainment.

Camden UNISON, 59 Phoenix Court, Brill Place, London, NW1 1ES.
Telephone: 0171 911 1633 (Direct Line) O171 278 4444 Ext. 4012

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