Support striking Geelong Libraries workers!

On Thursday 18 November, workers at Geelong Regional Libraries are staging a 24-hour strike as part of their campaign for better wages and conditions.

 

To make sure no staff suffer any hardship as a result of this, please consider donating to cover the cost of the wages they will lose by going on strike. Every dollar will go straight to the accounts of union members who've taken part in the action and requested support.

 

Library workers and community members will also be having a solidarity barbecue and rally out the front of the Geelong Library & Heritage Centre on Thursday 18 November from 12.30pm onwards, so if you can, come and join them in solidarity!

 

Geelong Regional Libraries has been ranked as the best public library service in Victoria for six years in a row, but the wages of its staff are some of the lowest in the state. Staff are striking for pay increases that don't just match inflation, but begin to rectify the huge pay gap between GRL and other Victorian libraries.

 

Requests for basic safety measures like safe carparking for staff leaving the central CBD library after dark have also not been met, even though workplace violence and harm is common in public libraries .

 

After months of less drastic industrial action such as wearing badges and short stopworks, union members have decided that their only option is to undertake a 24-hour strike across the whole library service to make their voices heard. Any donations and any additional supporters at their barbecue and rally on 18 November will hugely strengthen that fight, and will be massively appreciated.