The photo shows Hannah David speaking at PCS annual delegate conference in May 2023
Hannah David

Tribute to the British Library Strikers

PCS Culture Group President and national vice president Hannah David pays tribute to our strikers at the British Library in London who have held a successful two-week strike against low pay.

More than 300 of our members at the British Library were out on strike for two weeks after continued derogatory pay offers, and it was an incredible show of solidarity.

The huge turnout for the pickets kept building, with so many members supporting the picket every day, the visitors kept coming, and the picket got even louder and prouder.

The pickets were vibrant with creative posters, banners, music, dancing, and the opportunity to speak with members about their jobs, their dedication to their work, and the hardships they have faced to get to this point.

Support from across the movement was incredible with visits and speakers from all over the culture group and NEC, general secretaries and members from other unions, the TUC, trades councils, politicians, poets and artists.

The joy and solidarity of the picket was magnetic and whilst the buses beeped their support passersby cheered, clapped, waved and danced along. People who love the library showed support for members, with readers refusing to cross the picket line, joining the picket, and shutting down events.

So, while the management and the government consider how they proceed the branch is bigger, stronger, more unified, and more determined in their just fight for what they deserve.

I was so heartened to join the British Library and Met Police pickets and rallies over the last weeks. If you missed the pickets this time keep all eyes on us. The Tate ballot results are due and we are behind all our members until they win.

In the meantime: