Council workers in Bromley are carrying out a series of strikes this week in a bid to “defend public services” against privatisation.

Tomorrow, Unite members will take part in a 24-hour strike across all council services which follows another wave of industrial action by library staff at the weekend.

Members of the union voted by 87 per cent to take strike action in protest against what they describe as a “mass privatisation programme”.

Unite regional officer Onay Kasab said council workers are standing up for services which are “under attack like never before”.

He said: “Bromley want to privatise all council services across the borough.

“Unite’s campaign to defend public services has massive support from the local community and on Saturday there will be a march through Bromley to protest against the council’s demolition job.

“Many workers have already taken over 30 days of action and they intend to keep up the fight.”

He added: “Bromley council must now realise that the workforce backed by Unite are not going to give up until justice is done.”

The march this Saturday will begin from Norman Park where campaigners are set to gather from 11am.

News Shopper:

Onay Kasab leading union members outside Bromley Council offices last year.

In the second round of consultation, which took place in September 2015, it asked residents for their views on a so-called commissioned library service.

This would mean the library service would be outsourced to an external provider under the supervision of the council.

A spokesman for Bromley Council said its commitment to commission providers for local services is “undiminished”.

He said: “As a matter of fact, the council has successfully worked with companies and other providers for a number of decades, which has demonstrably provided sound value to council taxpayers. “We continue to examine every service and cost pressure to find the most effective and efficient ways to deliver services which focus on those who need them most.

“Every service delivery option is considered to ensure we continue to provide the best value for money for Bromley taxpayers as the council has done for many years.

He said previous strikes were supported by fewer than four per cent of the council workforce, adding:

“In light of this, the council believes the union should respect the workforce and the interests of Bromley residents by putting an immediate end to this proposed strike action.

“Again, we would like to reassure residents that the Council will do everything in its power to minimise any adverse impact on critical services should the strike action continue.”

Are you on strike? Get in touch and send your pictures to jessica.bell@london.newsquest.co.uk.