Library workers in Greenwich strike over privatisation plans

Nearly 100 library workers in Greenwich are going on strike over privatisation plans.

The council wants to transfer library services to a new company called Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL).

Workers have described the move as 'disgusting' and are going on strike for the next five days.

They claim the new company will pay them much less than the wages the currently earn as employees of Greenwich Council.

They claim staff who work at GLL do not receive the London Living Wage of £8.30 an hour.

GLL has said it intends to "harmonise" terms and conditions in the near future, leading to union members fearing it will mean a race to the bottom.

Unite recently petitioned library users in the borough, with 1,600 people signing postcards saying no to the transfer of library services.

Unite regional officer, Onay Kasab, said:

The council says it's looking into the transfer plans to save money because of reduced funding from the government.