Libraries Under Attack By Assembly
Libraries Under Attack By Assembly
13/09/2011
NIPSA, the leading Public Service union has pointed the blame for the recent announcement by Libraries NI to review the opening hours of all libraries, at the Assembly Executive.
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NIPSA, the leading Public Service union has pointed the blame for the recent announcement by Libraries NI to review the opening hours of all libraries, at the Assembly Executive.
Paddy Mackel Assistant Secretary said;
“The Assembly Executive took a decision to make cuts across the public sector, with the DCAL Minister imposing more than £10m worth of cuts on Libraries NI. Despite the rhetoric of Ministers what we see here is a direct attack on front line libraries services. The public consultation document proposes a reduction in opening hours in over 70% of libraries, not to mention the other proposal currently under consideration to also close 10 rural libraries. If implemented the cuts imposed by Libraries NI will result in a loss of 30,000 hours of library services to the community, a damning indictment of any government.”
A meeting with Libraries NI will discuss the impact of these proposals on staff if implemented. Separately a meeting with the DCAL Minister, who has overall responsibility for Libraries NI has also been arranged to ensure that the Minister is left in no doubt about the strength of our members.
Paddy Mackel concluded saying;
“For generations it has been accepted that libraries are a vital and integral part in every local community, a service which you and old, school children, migrant workers and everyone else can use free of charge. It is very often the difference, that vital link between gaining a proper education or not, being successful at job interview or not, having access to the wider world or not, maintaining that link with those back home in another country or not, being isolated in your own home or not or just simply allowing citizens the opportunity to borrow a book which they couldn’t normally afford to buy.
Not only would these proposed reductions in opening hours directly hit front line library services they are also likely to have a devastating impact on hard working dedicated library staff who are now facing a substantial loss of working hours and loss of pay. Our members will not accept this assault on their pay and working conditions. NIPSA members across Libraries NI will now be working with colleagues in other sectors in NIPSA to prepare for a ballot for Industrial Action.”
Ends
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