British Library chief executive quits midway through PCS strike
The British Library has been thrown into further turmoil midway through a two-week PCS strike with the resignation of its chief executive Rebecca Lawrence.
PCS members at the British Library in London are now in the second week of their very well-supported strike action as they are demanding an inflation-proof pay rise with restoration, after a second consecutive year of a real-terms pay cut. In a recent survey of British Library members, we found that most struggle each month to make ends meet.
The chief executive is standing down after less than a year in post with events cancelled and speakers withdrawing from engagements as they refused to cross our picket line and wanted to show solidarity with the PCS strikers. The latest cancellation is Thursday’s 50 years of punk event.
The British Library Board statement says it has put in place interim arrangements to ensure “continuity and stability following Rebecca’s departure". Board member Jeremy Silver will assume the role of interim chief executive "for the time being.”
The situation is developing quickly and we await further details on why Ms Lawrence has resigned.
There has been no improvement on the derisory 2.4% pay offer to our members, which is way below inflation, but we urge the interim chief executive to meet us with the aim of negotiating an end to this dispute immediately.