William Eichler 28 March 2018

Bromley library staff strike over ‘paltry’ pay offer

A number of Bromley’s library staff went on strike today in response to what their union describes as a ‘paltry and insulting’ pay offer.

Around 36 workers — under a quarter of the area’s library staff — decided to strike after the breakdown of pay talks on Monday between Unite and Greenwich Leisure Ltd (GLL), which runs the library service on behalf of Bromley council.

‘Talks broke down on the issue of pay, and the insulting and paltry offer that GLL came up with,’ said Unite regional officer Onay Kasab.

‘We began talks on a compromise based on the local government pay offer, which is only 2% for most people, but with higher increases for some of the lower paid.

‘However, the company yesterday confirmed it cannot commit to this formula. Therefore, having transferred out from local government in November 2017, our members are already being penalised and seeing their pay cut.’

‘GLL claims it is the UK’s largest leisure charitable social enterprise and also claims to be a staff-owned trust,’ Mr Kasab.

‘Yet the staff who supposedly own the company are told by the bosses that their pay will be eroded after less than six months of being taken over by GLL.’

A spokesperson for GLL responded: ‘It is most regrettable that after keeping dialogue with Unite open to the 11th hour, the union is continuing with plans for strike action.

‘Unite represents under a quarter of library staff in Bromley and our priority is to maintain a “business as usual” service – all Bromley libraries are open today.

‘GLL is a worker-owned charitable social enterprise which puts the community and our staff at the heart of our public services.

‘We have committed to pay London Living Wage in Bromley and to meet the 2% NJC headline rate. The union demands are not sustainable.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Victims Development Officer (Violence Against Women)

Royal Borough of Greenwich
PO1 - £39,855 - £42,324
We need a versatile and enthusiastic officer to improve services for victims of VAWG and modern slavery. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Community Facilitator level 1

Royal Borough of Greenwich
Scale 5 - £31,524 to £32,931
We are seeking to fill a number of roles to help us deliver our new vision for Health and Adults Services (HAS) Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Personal Advisors

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£38,934 - £40,755
This is a rewarding, challenging and essential role, in our support of young people Leaving Care. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

School Crossing Patrol Officer - Ivy Chimneys School

Essex County Council
Up to £13.00 per hour
School Crossing Patrol Officer - Ivy Chimneys SchoolPermanent, Part Time£13.00 per hourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Director - Corporate Services

Teignbridge District Council
£93,688 - £100,549 per annum
Develop your career with a forward-thinking authority based in an attractive part of South Devon. Newton Abbot, Devon
Recuriter: Teignbridge District Council
Linkedin Banner