A one-day strike is set to affect libraries in South Gloucestershire on Saturday.
The full impact of the action will not be known until that day but the council says it is working to ensure that service disruption to the public is kept to a minimum.
As we revealed earlier this week, members of the Unison union voted for industrial action recently in response to changes to council policies on enhancements and allowances paid to some staff, which come into force on 1st October.
The workers who were balloted included library assistants, residential care staff at the Vinney Green Secure Unit for Children at Emersons Green, care assistants and other staff in the two local authority elderly people’s homes, and civic enforcement officers.
It is likely that the main disruption on Saturday will be to library services, with libraries including Kingswood, Emersons Green, Hanham and Staple Hill affected. Other libraries including Cadbury Heath and Downend will be open but may also have to close at short notice.
People are advised to check for updates on the council’s website at www.southglos.gov.uk/industrialaction or Twitter feed @sgloscouncil
Unison says the new contracts for staff who have to work weekends will see pay rates for Saturday working cut by 33%. The council says Saturday should now be regarded as a normal working day. In addition there will also be changes to allowances for working at night.
The council has said that the decision followed a lengthy review and consultation with staff trade unions.
