Oct 21st, 2011

Hamilton City Council needs to involve the union in finding solutions

Hamilton City Council needs to heed calls to protect its library services and involve the union to help find win-win solutions to its financial woes, says the PSA.

The Council is looking to slash millions of dollars from its budget to reduce its debt levels and capital spending over the next ten years.

Hamilton city councillors met yesterday to discuss proposed library closures and library staff have been asked to consider where 25 working hours can be cut from libraries.

“Staff need to feel protected in this process if they are to put their best ideas forward and union engagement in implementing necessary changes can bring about better outcomes for all parties,” says PSA Acting National Secretary Jeff Osborne.

“As British designer, writer and television star Kevin McCloud said to the Waikato Times earlier this week, libraries offer tremendous opportunities for communities and “if you think of the library as a sharing centre it begins to open up all sorts of ownership potential."

“The PSA is the union for Librarians throughout NZ and we support this view,” says Jeff Osborne.

“Libraries contribute to a well-informed, educated population and that brings economic benefits to the whole country.

“Libraries are a vital public service amongst communities, especially in tough economic times. The positive social role they play is something to be valued and protected.

“Union members need to be involved in any change process around libraries and other services and have valuable ideas to contribute on their delivery.

“We call on the council to work constructively with us and our members through this difficult process so that the best outcomes can be achieved for all,” says Jeff Osborne.

ENDS

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