Fórsa has written to the Garda Commissioner Drew Harris seeking an urgent meeting regarding the ongoing harassment of library workers by far-right agitators.

Over the last number of months Fórsa members in Cork have been subjected to protesters entering libraries, harassing library workers, and attempting to remove books they deem to be “inappropriate”. More recently, libraries in Tralee, Drogheda, Limerick and elsewhere have seen similar abuse.

The union has repeatedly sought for local authorities to protect their employees, and in July wrote to all City and County Council managements calling for protective measures to be enacted to guard library workers from abuse and harassment in their workplace.

Head of Local Government and Local Services Richy Carrothers said some City and Council managements have engaged with Fórsa on this matter, with a number responding to the union’s demands.

“There are clear legal and vicarious responsibilities on employers as outlined in Health and Safety at Work legislation and the local authority employers are aware of this. Libraries should be sanctuaries of safety and inclusivity, not hives of abuse. The “Code of Practice for Employers and Employees on the Prevention and Resolution of Bullying at Work” deals specifically with bullying and includes bullying in the workplace by clients and customers. This issue isn’t going to go away by ignoring it,” he said.

Fórsa has continued to meet with hundreds of library workers over the summer, who are experiencing this abuse first hand.

“Our members are afraid for their safety in their workplace. They are describing the abuse they are experiencing in their workplace, of which, local authorities are aware of. We proudly represent hardworking library staff across Ireland who do integral work, including creating inclusive communities. We support and our members and they feel supported by their union. We won’t accept harassment of our members, but they need to see action by their employer,” said Richy.

Fórsa will continue to meet with library workers over the coming weeks, and information packs, posters and badges have been disseminated to libraries across the country.

“Libraries must be places free from harassment and intimidation for both staff and library users. The solidarity shown to our fellow members demonstrates to these groups that harassment will not be tolerated. Workers united will never be defeated,” said Richy.