Barcelona’s public libraries began an indefinite daily strike this Tuesday at one of the busiest student times of the year. Just weeks before the university entrance exams, the selectivity in Catalonia will be held between June 9 and 11, with only three facilities, out of the 40 in the network, having opened their doors to the public: Canyelles, Collserola, and Joan Miró. The protest, called by CGT and Intersindical, demands labor improvements and adherence to the new municipal agreement and denounces months of negotiations “without progress” with the City Council. The closure of the libraries has forced many students to seek last-minute alternatives to prepare for exams. The municipal study rooms have recorded high attendance since early morning. “I came to the library because I can’t concentrate at home and found the doors closed,” lamented Laura, a student who tried to go to the Joan Oliver Library in the Sant Antoni neighborhood this morning.
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The Library Consortium has assured that, despite the closure of most facilities, about 70% of the unopened libraries maintained staff working “behind closed doors.” According to the entity, the negotiation process with the workers “remains open and active,” with meetings already scheduled and ongoing conversations about new work schedules and strengthening small and medium libraries to promote staff work-life balance.
Laura, a student affected by the closure of the facilities, stated that libraries are her refuge of silence on noisy days at home. “I don’t have a desk in my room and, besides, I have a little brother who always interrupts me when I need to concentrate. It’s not his fault, but it distracts me,” she lamented. The mobilized librarians, who at this time of year extend the hours of citizen service, have admitted the impact the strike may have on the public, especially in the final stretch of the academic year, but have maintained that the lack of progress has led them to toughen the protests. “Libraries are study spaces, climate refuges, and essential free internet access points for many people,” the union call stated.
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However, the unions denounce that talks have been stalled for months. In a statement, the workers criticize that the proposal from the City Council and the Consortium “perpetuates disdain towards the collective,” highlight “the lack of work-life balance,” and “the working conditions of a highly feminized sector.” They also demand compensations similar to those already existing in other municipal services with special schedules.
The labor conflict has been ongoing since March and intensified in April. The first protests began during Sant Jordi week, with partial strikes, and since April 25 the staff has maintained an indefinite strike every Saturday. According to the unions, the closure of facilities during those days has reached 92% of the library network.
