I totally agree with Lynne, without the Unions Public Libraries and Public Library Workers would be in a far worse state than they already are in. Union Stewards on the ground fight the excesses of management cuts and bullying and Unison has been supporting Public Libraries through its involvement in Speak Up For Libraries and through commissioning and publishing the recent report https://www.unison.org.uk/upload/sharepoint/On%20line%20Catalogue/21589.pdf on the damage that's being done daily to the service.
Unison and Unite have also been leading the fight recently against the privatisation of the service in Greenwich, Wandsworth, Ealing and Harrow.
Alan Wylie
Librarian, Campiagner and Unison Member
-----Original Message-----
From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Stephen Cook
Sent: 21 June 2013 09:57
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Daily Mirror report on public libraries charging jobless for Internet access
Hear! Hear"!
Well said Lynne.
Stephen Cook.
Assistant Librarian.
From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Lynne Coppendale
Sent: 21 June 2013 08:43
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Daily Mirror report on public libraries charging jobless for Internet access
A Union is only a strong as it's membership, and can lead on campaigns but also fight on behalf of, and protect its, members.
Rather than complaining about fragmentation why not take the time to find out exactly what Unison (and other public service unions) have actually been doing. I assume those moaning are not members themselves, but I can bet penny to a pound that the hard-fought workers rights and (admittedly a long while ago) pay rises argued for were accepted by non-members as well as the members who put in the effort.
Here in Doncaster, despite our campaign not succeeding (although Judicial review appeal is ongoing) Unison were invaluable support with excellent advice and at *all* times being in attendance at our Read In protests and giving us centre stage presence at larger cuts events and demonstrations. We could not have managed without them. Yes I am a unison steward, but probably not a stereotypical union member it seems many of the detractors expect.
I am very disappointed that instead of celebrating some excellent research that strengthens the arguments for good and appropriate public library services, there is infighting and attacking of the source. If you don't like it please state what exactly you have done rather than armchair whining. If you don't like it join a union and get them to fight for you. If you don't like it make a noise and get involved.
Lynne Coppendale.
BA (Hons), DipIS, MCLIP
Librarian
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