Bromley Libraries strike update, picket at the Central Library

A representative from the Save Lewisham Libraries Campaign joined striking Bromley library workers again today, this time outside of Bromley Central Library, as their dispute with Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) continues. The strike began on the 6^th of June to protest against cuts being made to the Library Service. Many of the comments made by those standing outside of the library echo what members of the Lewisham campaign have been saying about libraries in our borough. That libraries are so much more than buildings containing books. One staff member stated that she had seen children grow up over her time at Bromley libraries, that those who used the libraries are a microcosm of society, that they were part of the library community and that ‘They are our friends’. Another went on the state that trying to run a library on so few staff meant that ’it’s going to grind to a halt; there are not enough staff to allow us to do our jobs properly’.  Workers and campaigners in Bromley have kept up an incredible fight for their precious libraries as councils all across London and the country have taken the axe to this vital and much loved service. We all need to do what we can to support their fight

Great public support for libraries and the strikers at Bromley Council meeting on 15th July

https://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/17773331.bromley-libraries-council-meeting-halted-public-outbursts/

 To make a donation:

Cheques can be made payable to Bromley Unite. please send cheques and messages of support to 

Onay Kasab, Unite, 33-37 Moreland Street, EC1V 8BB

Bank details for donations are

Bromley Unite LE/531 Branch
Number 20272821
Sort 60 83 01

Inspiring library protest and picket outside Beckenham library today joined by local MP

Members of the Save Lewisham Libraries Campaign today joined a picket line outside of Beckenham Library in support of Bromley library workers. They have been out on indefinite strike since the 6th June in protest against cuts being made to the library service by Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) who run libraries on behalf of Bromley Council. To win the contract, GLL promised Bromley Council that they would make cuts and that they would do this by not recruiting staff as posts became vacant. Following strike action last year GLL committed to filling vacant posts, but have decided to go against this agreement. GLL have also refused to pay staff what they would have received had they remained Bromley employees. The strikers and their supporters, who numbered around fifty, were also joined by Ellie Reeves, MP for Lewisham West and Penge. Many signatures were collected, with many library users and passers by having already signed. Songs were sung, flags were waved and car horns were tooted in support. As the strikers leaflet stated, 'Our Libraries, Our Services'. Act now to support this important campaign. Sign the petition at 

https://www.change.org/p/greenwich-leisure-limited-defend-bromley-library-service?recruiter=21625473&utm_campaign=signature_receipt&utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=share_petition

Kathy Smith from Bromley Unite on the Bromley library strike and how you can help

Bromley library workers are out on indefinite strike since 6 June against cuts and recruitment freezes at Bromley's  Greenwich Leisure Limited run libraries.

Kathy Smith, Bromley Unite branch secretary, outside GLL run Charton Lido with the Bromley library strikers, talking about what their dispute and how we can help.

To make a donation:

Cheques can be made payable to Bromley Unite and sent to 

Onay Kasab, Unite, 33-37 Moreland Street, EC1V 8BB

or bank details for donations are

Bromley Unite LE/531 Branch
Number 20272821
Sort 60 83 01