SA state library workers ramp up industrial action to protect jobs

The Public Service Association (PSA) is preparing to escalate industrial action to try to save 20 full-time jobs at the State Library of South Australia, reports InDaily.

Members have already adopted new work bans to prevent the state government from cutting librarian, administrative, supervisor and management roles.

‘These planned job cuts come on the back of twelve people losing their jobs in a state library restructure last year, and any further cuts will leave the state library greatly under-resourced,’ said PSA general secretary Nev Kitchin. ‘Arts Minister Jack Snelling has failed to consult or reassure the community that the State Library has a sustainable future, and library workers’ jobs are safe.’

Kitchin said if the job cuts go ahead, ‘the South Australian community and future generations will be directly impacted, including lengthy delays in servicing and vital assistance in tracking down family history records’.

The State Library of South Australia currently employs 115 full-time staff. As previously reported by Books+Publishing, the library is planning to cut jobs as part of a restructure that will save the government $6m over three years.

Category: Library news