Union calls off tomorrow’s library strike in Hackney as ‘gesture of goodwill’ – but February action set to go ahead

Local MP Diane Abbott at a recent protest against the cuts. Photograph: Julia Gregory

The latest library strike by workers in Hackney campaigning against redundancies has been called off.

Unison said it is suspending its fourth day of action, which was scheduled for tomorrow, “as a gesture of goodwill to give management more time to work on compulsory redundancies and make other positive changes”.

However, Unite members also voted for strike action and the two unions are planning to go ahead with strikes on 1, 2 and 3 February “unless we see real compromise and efforts by senior management and political leaders to satisfactorily end the dispute”.

Local Labour MP Diane Abbott has supported the unions and spoke about the value of libraries in boosting people’s life chances.

The Labour-run council it is adamant that it will stick to its manifesto pledge of keeping all seven public libraries open.

Its planned restructure of the service is designed to save £425,000, and will see 76 current jobs removed and 57 new titles created, with staff on higher grades and getting more training.

The council said the savings will be reinvested “in order to ensure the service remains fit for the future and sustainable”.

The changes would also see staff work one in seven Sundays.

According to the unions, 44 staff have put in for voluntary redundancy – most towards the end of a consultation period that has since been extended by the council.

The unions said moves such as making one manager responsible for three libraries rather than one were not practical.

Library bosses said some staff, including those with health issues, had wanted to take voluntary redundancy in the past, but council processes meant they could not. They said some will be hired as relief workers.

Cllr Chris Kennedy, the cabinet member for libraries, said the council has worked with unions to try to avoid strike action.

“The new structure in the libraries service, against which they are striking, will provide better pay and better career progression for every member of staff who remains in the service,” he said.

Hackney Council has been approached for comment about the suspension of strike action.