Camden Library workers have voted overwhelmingly 102 to 16 to take strike action against a staffing review that will lead to redundancies and downgradlngs.
We began our all out indefinite action on Thursday 26 February, and so far management have only been able to open at most 2 out of 13 libraries far limited periods, staffed by themselves, non-members and a few strike breakers. For 3 days, all libraries were closed. Our strike is solid despite a threatening letter sent by management to strikers which only served to make members more determined to fight. Our numbers are growing, Saturday assistants and casual workers are refusing to cross picket lines, are joining the union and the strike.
Management have stated that they have already made a number of "concessions". We are not asking for anything extra, just to maintain jobs, conditions and services. How can they concede to us what we already have? They are still refusing to give us the guarantees we seek that there be:
UNISON representatives attended a preliminary meeting on Wednesday 4 March. Both sides were able to state their posItion to the Joint Secretaries (one management. one UNISON) who will be getting back to us shortly to let us know where they consider movement can be made on the dispute.
Strikers have spoken at a number of meetings within and outside Camden. Collections have already raised over £1,200 and levy sheets are being circulated in a number of work places. A hardship committee has been set up to deal with strikers facing severe financial difficulties.
Next meeting and strike payment
Friday 20 March 1.00 PM
Conway Hall, Red Lion Square, Holbom WC1.
Friday 20 March
Camden Centre, behind the old Town Hall.
Come and join Us!
Motion on increasing strike pay, plus other important issues: Best Value, democracy in UNISON and pay!
Make it quorate! Be there!
Friday 20 March
5.00 PM onwards Lyndburst Hall, Warden Street, London HW5S
Everyone invited.
Strikers and families/ under 16s - free.
Waged £5 / Unwaged £3
Music, Food, Bar And Fun
The mass picket last week was well attended and a great success. St Pancras Library was closed for the day. Another is planned for Thursday 19 March from 8:30 AM onward outside St Pancras Library, Town Hall Extension opposite St Pancras BR Station.
Many UNISON members are taking a full and active part in the strike. Picket lines have been maintained at all libraries, but we still need more people to be involved.
Other workers please send messages of support, join picket lines, invite speakers, contribute to collection and levies.
For further information, please contact:
Camden UNISON
59 Phoenix Court, Brill Place,London, NWI.
Tel: 0171-911-1633 0171-278-4444 ext. 4012