UNISON members working in Barnet libraries are set to strike over three days next week.

Barnet library workers are inviting people to join them on the picket lines as they take industrial action from Monday June 13, to voice their frustration over the Council’s plan to outsource the library service.

Barnet UNISON represents around 3,000 members in Barnet Council, Barnet & Southgate College, as well as schools and contractors across the borough.

UNISON representative and libraries convenor, Hugh Jordan, said: “We need to force the council into having meaningful negotiations, we are trying to do something, and we as a branch cannot stand back.

“Our members are angry at proposals which look to sack half of them and then outsource them to another employer.

“Mill Hill library is about to be taken over by a community group, which is bad for our library workers and the service.

“We are not taking these strikes lightly, but we need to take action. Everyone is welcome to join us at the picket lines next week.”

UNISON Picket Lines will be at Mill Hill library, Hartley Avenue from 8.30am next Monday June 13, and at North Finchley library, Ravensdale Avenue, on Tuesday June 14.

A picket line will also be held at Chipping Barnet Library, Stapylton Road on Wednesday June 15.

In April this year, protesters were devastated when Barnet councillors voted in favour of cuts to the library services.

Three main changes to the 14 libraries across the borough, include new CCTV cameras positioned in the libraries, the age limit has lowered to 15, and children who are under age will be able to use online digital services.

Campaigners were also angry that study space in the libraries for students would be reduced, and full time workers would lose their posts as staffing hours would be cut by 70%.

Mr Jordan also thanked Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell MP, who showed his support for UNISON members saying they were an “inspiration”.

Adele Winston of Chipping Barnet, said she will support the library staff next Wednesday.

Ms Winston said: “The library provides superb service for the community, though a Tory council can scarcely be expected to appreciate that.

“The new plans will reduce study space.  This appears to be a continuation of class warfare; privileged children can afford their own books, and they have somewhere quiet to study at home.

“As Barnet is putting trained professionals, i.e. our librarians, out of work, may I suggest that they have first offer of the new jobs as all-night traffic wardens?  After all, any job is better than nothing.”

Leader of the Barnet Labour group, Cllr Barry Rawlings has also sent a message of solidarity to the Library staff who are striking.

Cllr Rawlings said: “We oppose these library cuts, and the plans to outsource the service which we believe will have a devastating and lasting impact on our local community.”

However, Conservative Cllr Reuben Thompstone, chairman of the children, education, libraries and safeguarding committee, said the Conservative group were "disappointed" about the Union’s decision to take industrial action.

He said: "We have had to make difficult decisions about the future of the libraries service to deliver savings, whilst continuing to deliver the service that residents value.

"The plans agreed by full council will see us maintain the same number of libraries and keep home, mobile and digital services.

"While the number of hours libraries are staffed will reduce, overall opening hours will be extended through the implementation of technology enabled opening.

"The agreed plans will continue to see the library service run by the council. We will continue to explore the opportunity to develop an alternative model for the management of library services."

Will you be joining the library workers at the picket lines? Let us know what you think by emailing bethan.marsh@london.newsquest.co.uk