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.

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.

Fórsa has been supporting members experiencing abuse and has led the charge, calling on local authorities to enact proactive measures to ensure workers are safe in their workplace. More recently the union has distributed a suite of resources to workers who may be experiencing harassment at the hands of protesters, and has written to local authorities on the matter.

Head of Local Government and Local Services said that libraries should be “sanctuaries of safety and inclusivity” and called on local authorities to protect workers.

“We need Councils to immediately undertake a health and safety risk assessment of all public libraries and the threat posed by harassment of protesters. Council management need to engage with An Garda Síochána immediately, to ensure emergency supports will be available to protect workers when such instances occur,” he said.

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

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 and hate will not be tolerated. Workers united will never be defeated,” he said.

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