UNISON members are currently on strike in a protest against Barnet Council’s plans to cut library services.
Library workers went on the picket line yesterday and today to voice their frustration as the authority tries to cut £2.85million form the service.
Changes include creating unstaffed libraries – meaning adding CCTV cameras and banning under 15s from going there alone.
More than 70 members of Barnet Unison have gone on strike at six libraries across the borough, including Chipping Barnet Library, Mill Hill Library and North Finchley Library.
East Finchley Labour councillor Alon Or-bach, who joined striking library staff, said: “The Labour group is extremely worried about the libraries’ future.
“Buildings aren’t being shut all together, but the drastic cut in paid staff means the service will not be viable.”
“It’s absolutely crucial to people who don’t have the space in their houses to study, you can’t just put a financial value on the service, it’s not just the number of books being loaned, it’s about having that quiet space and staff to help people.”
UNISON representative Hugh Jordan said they would not “take the strikes lightly” and vowed not to let the matter drop.
In April this year, protesters were devastated when Barnet councillors voted in favour of making £2.85million of cuts to the library services.
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