Unison branch secretary and library striker on the Lambeth library occupation - and what you can do to help

Submitted by AWL on 1 April, 2016 - 1:31

Ruth Cashman is a Lambeth library worker, a leading activist in strikes to stop library cuts and joint secretary of Lambeth Unison:

"The council wanted to close five of our libraries, five out of ten. We've already saved one. The Carnegie is now in occupation and the three others we're fighting for. We think we can keep all ten libraries in Lambeth open. The council is spending an extraordinary amount of money to close these libraries; at the moment they've got 24 hour security on the libraries they're closing, as well as a huge amount of redevelopment and building work, so right now it's costing more than it would to keep the libraries open.

"The community went into occupation today. It's a mix of families who come for story time, older people, readers who love the library, and some people who don't even use the library that much but are just inspired by people stepping up to fight for something they care about. I hope it will be the beginning of a big campaign that means we can fight to save libraries across the country. 323 have closed already since 2010.

"Lambeth library workers have already taken three days of strike action in this campaign, two official and one unofficial, and we're pushing Unison for more. The council as a whole voted 85 percent in a consultative ballot to strike against the closures.

"The Labour Party have been an interesting thing because it's been one of the greatest sources of support; many Labour Party members are at the occupation, the Dulwich and West Norwood Labour banner is hanging outside on the fence, we've had motions through different Labour Parties, but at the same time it's a Labour council that's forcing through the cuts. We want to see the Labour Party really step up the fight against local government cuts, and we hope that Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell will come down and talk to these campaigners about what the issues are and how we're going to fight the cuts.

"It would be great if people could come down to the occupation, as we want it to last as long as possible. Send messages of support to the Lambeth Libraries. And wherever you are, fight to save your own services."

You can:

• Head down: the Carnegie library is at 188 Herne Hill Road, SE24 0AG. There will be an occupation general meeting at 6pm on Friday 1 April. If you'd like to meet up with Workers' Liberty at the occupation or go down together, email lambeth@workersliberty.org

• Send messages of solidarity to lambethlibrariescampaign@gmail.com

• Spread the word! More, including videos from the occupation, on the Save Lambeth Libraries Facebook page and on the Defend the 10 website.
Official Unison statement on the occupation here.

This website uses cookies, you can find out more and set your preferences here.
By continuing to use this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.