Bromley library workers strike against privatisation

Striking Bromley library workers and supporters protesting against privatisation, 1.4.17, photo by Socialist Party (Click to enlarge)

A Unite member

Unite union members working in Bromley libraries began the first of eight days of strike action on 1 April. The long-running dispute is in defence of the library service from privatisation.

The campaign has already seen off the privateers from Carillion and a proposal to replace permanent staff with volunteers. Now Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) is thought to be the last realistic bidder for the contract - although the council ludicrously claims that commercial confidentiality means that they cannot disclose the remaining bidders!

GLL claims to be a 'social enterprise' yet acts like the worst of private companies, employing three-quarters of staff on zero-hour contracts and refusing to pay the London Living Wage to many of its own leisure-based staff.

Yet Lord John Bird - founder of the Big Issue - claims that GLL is the saviour of libraries! Lord Bird attended the libraries and culture march in London last November, demanding to speak at the event as a very important campaigner!

There is a lesson here - support is always welcome from whatever quarter - however, it is the trade unions that will lead the fight to save public service, not Lords!

Send messages of support to Unite officer Onay Kasab at [email protected] and post donations to Unite the Union, 33-37 Moreland Street, Clerkenwell, London EC1V 8BB

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