Everstina and Abibat from Lambeth branch, Brixton library explain why they supported the 10 July strike. And Valerie, a library user, on why she supports them.
Everstina Musamabik, early year literacy development worker: “I’m here to fight for fair pay. We only want an extra £1 an hour. It’s not too much to ask. And a fair wage for us is a fair wage of society. Everyone benefits from people being paid fairly. It’s common sense.”
Abibat Olulode, development librarian for literacy skills, said: “I’ve worked for the council for 27 years and in real terms I’m more or less on the same pay as when I started. I’m certainly on the same grade.
“Every time they have a reorgansation you feel lucky to survive. But you are now doing the job of two people, maybe three people.
“People say that inflation is at 10%, but when you go to the supermarket check-out the cost of your basket has doubled. Sometimes at the till you almost cry – and all you’re trying to do is buy essentials.
“I think whoever is behind me must hate me, because I’m always pulling out coupons to try to make it easier. And I’m looking for bargains all the time.
“I have a master’s degree. I am a chartered librarian. I’m a highly qualified professional. But I’m really struggling. It’s crazy. Today is about saying ‘no more of this’. The government is saying that we are on the road to recovery. Maybe that’s the case for private businesses, for landlords. But it really isn’t trickling down.”
Valerie Lindo, a library user who came with the UNISON members to support them, said: “I’m fighting for the staff, because they do a very good job. Our libraries are very important, for all kinds of reasons. I use the internet because I can’t afford it at home. Some people just go there to have a read in the warm.
“But they are cutting staff and cutting pay and it’s not fair. People need a fair wage and we need to keep the libraries open.”