UNISON warns of cuts in Southend's library service

Libraries review a cover for cuts?

Southend Council are undertaking a review to ‘consider the future direction’ of their library services but a trade union warns that when estimated savings of £32.5 million need to be made by the council over the next three years, this review may be used as a cover to make drastic cuts or even close libraries.

Southend Local Government branch of Unison, which represents workers in the library service, points out that though the purpose of the review is “ensuring libraries to be fit for the future” this is to be done “whilst reducing cost to assist in meeting the required Council spending reductions”.

Libraries across the country have faced severe cuts to services and opening hours over the last few years. For instance, Surrey County Council is already advancing plans to staff 10 libraries solely with volunteers whilst 13 branch libraries across Leeds were closed. This is the kind of consequence that Unison wants to avoid for the people of Southend.

Southend UNISON believes that libraries offer a host of vital free services to local communities such as access to books, information and computers. The union also says that the key to libraries being able to deliver a quality service is having knowledgeable, well trained staff to hand with access to adequate resources. Libraries are a free service, used by many, which local communities can be proud of and should fight for. The Councils ‘fact finding’ consultation asking the public what they want from their Library Service began on Monday 1^st October and ends on 6^thJanuary 2013.

The union is encouraging library users to play a full part in the consultation. They urge people to make sure there really is a representative response and, of course, to make clear that the public supports a free, well-funded and professional library service.

Claire Wormald, secretary of Southend UNISON Local Government Branch said:

“Libraries are an important free service that is open to the entire community. That’s why we are urging all residents to stand up for Southend Libraries by taking part in Southend Council’s upcoming public consultation and firmly state that they will not accept reductions in opening times, staffing levels, or the resources used to provide this key service. Cutting library services will be yet another false economy that will store up problems for the future.”

Southend Borough Council Webpage – information on the process and option to participate part in review online:http://www.southend.gov.uk/info/10109/librariesnews_and_events/1409/library_services_review

From Southend against the Cuts

WHY WE’RE MARCHING

Austerity isn’t working

Our country faces long-term economic problems. But our political leaders have failed to face up to them.

For the next five years or more, unless policies change the economy will not grow, incomes will not rise, and there will be almost no new jobs.

If the government keeps on with big spending cuts and austerity  we face a lost decade. Even on their own terms government policies are failing. To close the deficit we need a healthy growing economy that generates tax income. But austerity has led to a vicious circle of decline.

Instead of just letting the banks go back to business and bonuses as usual, we need policies that promote new and old industries.

This new approach would create jobs, especially for young people.

It would encourage companies to raise average pay, penalise big bonuses and invest in training and new industries. It would crack down on tax evasion by big companies and the super-rich. It would tackle the growing inequality between the super-rich and everyone else.

Rather than deep, rapid spending cuts, we need to reverse our decline and build an economy that works for ordinary families.

We need a future that works. Will you join us?

Next Southend TUC meeting

NOTICE OF NEXT SOUTHEND TRADES UNION COUNCIL MEETING

Date :  Wednesday 3^rd October 2012

Time :   6.30 pm

Venue :    Labour Party Office, 268 Sutton Road, Southend on Sea

AGENDA

1.         President's opening remarks

2.         Apologies for absence

3.         Minutes of last meeting held on 5^th September & matters arising

4.         Campaigning activities

5.         Branch Reports

6.         Financial Report

7.         Correspondence

8.         Any other business

9.         Close of meeting - by 8.00pm

Ian Pope

Secretary

March & Rally - Saturday 6th October

Austerity isn’t working – Fight the cuts! Defend our services!

Southend Area March and Rally

Saturday 6th October. Meet 12am top of Pier Hill then march to rally at Victoria Circus at 1pm.

Speakers from local and national organisations

The Southend TUC banner on display at the Burston Rally, Suday 2nd Septemeber 2012

Notice of our next meeting

Southend Trades Union Council

registered with the TUC

Dear Comrade,

NOTICE OF NEXT SOUTHEND TRADES UNION COUNCIL MEETING

Date :             Wednesday 5^th September 2012

Time :             6.30 pm

Venue :         Labour Party Office, 268 Sutton Road, Southend on Sea

AGENDA

1.         President's opening remarks

2.         Apologies for absence

3.         Minutes of last meeting held on 4^th July & matters arising

4.         Campaigning activities

5.         Branch Reports

6.         Financial Report

7.         Correspondence

8.         Any other business

9.         Close of meeting - by 8.00pm

Yours fraternally

Ian Pope

Secretary

Chelmsford - Celebration of Unity - 18th August

united chelmsford

says
we don’t want the racist edl in our city
join our celebration of unity
ON
Saturday 18th August

assemble: Tindal Square, Chelmsford
CM1 1LX at 11.30am.

We will then
march through the town at 1pm and return
to tindal square for speeches.
a wide range of speakers has been
invited

Supported by Chelmsford TUC, Chelmsford Amnesty
International, other local organisations and Unite Against
Fascism PO Box 68229 London SW1P 9WZ