TRADE unionists have called a public meeting to talk about pay and conditions for employees of Dudley's library service.

The Dudley General Branch of UNISON has invited experienced London-based organiser for the Unite union, Onay Kasab, to speak at a public meeting which will take place on Zoom on Thursday July 29.

In 2017, employees in Dudley libraries were transferred from the council to Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) which describes itself as "a charitable social enterprise for all the community".

But union members in Dudley say they are now concerned about their working conditions especially as library workers in the London borough of Bromley have taken industrial action several times, including over plans to increase late night working following a reduction in staffing.

Paul Quigley, branch secretary of Dudley General Branch of UNISON, said: "We’d like library staff in Dudley and members of the public who love and support libraries to join the meeting.

"Come and hear how GLL employees are being treated and make up your own mind.

"Libraries are often the hub of the community but the workers who keep them running deserve better support than they are getting."

Onay Kasab said: "Outsourcing of public services, such as with Dudley libraries, has led to problems all over the country with workers’ terms and conditions being driven down in the process. It’s time for us to come together to stop it."

A spokesperson for GLL said no jobs were at risk in Dudley and added: “Since taking on the management of Dudley Libraries, GLL has made a number of improvements to staff rotas and structures, including the removal of lone working in libraries – a practice that we inherited. Some staff have raised concerns about the level of their recent pay increase and we have discussed these directly with them. 

“It is disappointing that Unison has shown more interest in organising a public meeting rather than engaging with GLL directly to discuss the issues.

“GLL is passionate about library services and operates excellent facilities across the country. We value our staff and want to provide them with a solid, long-term future as we continue to develop and improve our offering in Dudley.”

The meeting will take place on Zoom - https://bit.ly/3wTcdKe - from 7pm to 8.30pm.

Onay Kasab will speak and questions and comments will be invited from attendees. Everyone is welcome.

Meeting ID : 82385553700. Passcode : 055304.

GLL has not yet responded to a request for comment.