Workers across 14 libraries in Bromley are striking indefinitely from today (March 28) after a pay dispute.

Greenwich Leisure Ltd (GLL),which operates the libraries on behalf of Bromley Council, say the strike is “most regrettable”.

The strike comes after a breakdown in talks between the 36 library workers and GLL on Monday (March 26).

Regional officer for worker union Unite, Onay Kasab, said: “Talks broke down on the issue of pay, and the insulting and paltry offer that GLL came up with.

“We began talks on a compromise based on the local government pay offer, which is only two per cent for most people, but with higher increases for some of the lower paid. However, the company yesterday confirmed it cannot commit to this formula.

“The strike will hit the running of the libraries and cause inconvenience for the public, which we regret, but what we have here is a hard-faced employer trying to screw the last ounce of profit from what should be a public service."

GLL say only a quarter of its library staff are striking and all Bromley libraries are open today.

A spokesman for GLL added: “It is most regrettable that after keeping dialogue with Unite open to the 11th hour, the union is continuing with plans for strike action.

“GLL is a worker-owned charitable social enterprise which puts the community and our staff at the heart of our public services. We have committed to pay London Living Wage in Bromley and to meet the two per cent NJC headline rate.

“The union demands are not sustainable.”

Members of Unite voted unanimously to strike.