Public library staff across Catalonia have called for an indefinite strike, scheduled for every Friday and Saturday. The protest, organized by CGT, aims to secure better working and salary conditions, highlighting issues such as understaffing, work-life balance problems, and service "precariousness."
On Friday, many libraries were found closed with signs indicating a strike, impacting regular users and students preparing for the upcoming University Entrance Exams (PAU). Concurrently, around a hundred workers gathered at the Faculty of Information and Audiovisual Media in Barcelona.
“"We are very fragmented at the level of administrations and territory, and we demand that the administrations work together and commit to the Public Reading System of this country, because we are essential facilities."
The representative defended the legitimacy of the protest, despite potential disruptions, emphasizing that "we are fighting for the public services of this country, so that they can have a future," referring to the students.
Key demands include the establishment of a dedicated negotiation forum for library staff working conditions, salary increases to recover lost purchasing power, review of additional payments, revised working hours, and increased staffing levels. An update to Catalonia's public reading map is also requested.
“"She advocates for a framework agreement that guarantees a common legal structure for all sector personnel, regardless of the administration they depend on."
Currently, no joint proposal has been made by the administrations. The Barcelona Libraries Consortium states that dialogue remains open and that discussions are underway for an agreement that includes a reduction of the workweek to 35 hours and the formalization of all staff.
