Fórsa has written to City and County Council managements across the country, calling for protective measures to be enacted to protect library workers from harassment 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 and elsewhere have seen similar abuse.  

Head of Local Government and Local Services Richy Carrothers said there are clear legal and vicarious responsibilities on employers as outlined in Health and Safety at Work legislation and called on City and County Councils to protect library workers.

“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. Fórsa is seeking the immediate disclosure of the safety statement of each local authority, and the anti-bulling policy that covers clients and customers,” he said.

Richy also called on local authorities to engage with An Garda Síochána immediately, to ensure emergency supports will be available to protect workers when instances of harassment and abuse occur.

“Library workers need to be protected from this harassment, our members are afraid for their safety in their workplace, and Councils need to explore legal avenues to exclude offenders from public libraries,” he said.  

Over five hundred people marched from Cork City library to Cork City Hall earlier this month, in a Fórsa organised solidarity protest in support of Cork City library workers.

Richy said he was heartened by the show of solidarity. He commended public library workers, saying “they should be applauded - not abused”.

“We proudly represent hardworking library staff across Ireland. They do integral work, including creating inclusive communities. We support our dedicated members and won't accept any intimidation of our members in their workplaces!

“Libraries are community hubs for social integration, serving as centres of cultural, educational, and academic learning, and must be places free from harassment and intimidation for both staff and library users. This show of solidarity to our fellow members demonstrates to these groups that harassment will not be tolerated. Workers united will never be defeated,” he said.

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