‘Top brass’ must protect library staff
A protest of “national significance” will take place in Cork tomorrow demanding protection for library workers from far-right abuse regarding LGBTQ+ literature.
Protesters will assemble at 12.30pm tomorrow, Friday, outside Cork City Library on Grand Parade before marching to Cork City Hall at 1pm.
The Fórsa organised protest is calling on Cork City Council to fulfil its responsibility to protect working people from intimidation by anti-LGBTQ+ protesters.
The protest follows numerous incidents of harassment at the library in recent months, including one instance of an LGBTQ+ book being torn up.
Another incident occurred last week when a number of workers at Cork City Library left their posts when a group of anti-LGBTQ+ protesters entered the premises.
Speaking outside Dáil Éireann ahead of the march, Socialist Party TD for Cork North-Central, Mick Barry, said the “top brass” at Cork City Hall have done “little or nothing” to protect the workers.
“I don’t think this is just an issue for library workers and I don’t think this is just a local issue,” said Deputy Barry.
He added: “For several months now, and on a regular basis, workers have been subject to intimidation, they have been subject to harassment from far-right activists coming into their workplace.
“Workers are being subjected to abuse, they’ve had paedophile slurs hurled at them, they’ve been filmed against their wishes, and they’re fed up with the situation.”
Head of Fórsa's Local Government and Local Services Division, Richy Carrothers, called on the people of Cork to come out and support the protest, insisting that improved protections for library staff against the growing threat of harassment must be implemented as a matter of urgency.
“Our members are at risk in their place of work. We have asked local authorities to undertake an immediate health and safety risk assessment of public libraries, and the threat posed by such protesters at libraries,” said Mr Carrothers.
“Harassment must not be tolerated, and Cork City Council must act to discharge their responsibilities as an employer under health and safety legislation,” he added.
Mr Carrothers went on to pledge his full support to the public library workers, saying: “They should be applauded - not abused.”
He continued: “We proudly represent hardworking library staff across Ireland. They do integral work, including creating inclusive communities. We support our dedicated members and call on you to show your support this Friday. Fórsa won't accept any intimidation of our members in their workplaces.
“Libraries represent 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. It’s important that we act in solidarity to our fellow members and show these groups that harassment will not be tolerated,” he said.
All are welcome to take part in tomorrow’s march and are invited to join protesters at 12.30pm outside Cork City Library.