COUNCIL workers began a 24-hour strike yesterday after the authority revealed shocking plans to sack almost half of library staff and replace them with volunteers.
Shadow chancellor John McDonnell joined hundreds of Unison members at Barnet Council, north London, in the action starting at 5am.
Childs Hill, East Barnet, Mill Hill and South Friern libraries are planned to be staffed by unpaid workers, but the council’s plans, announced on Friday, are expected to cost £6.5 million to implement.
The election offers a critical chance to shape the future of pay, care and community provision in Wales, says Unison’s JESS TURNER
Almost half of universities face deficits, merger mania is taking hold, and massive fee hikes that will lock out working-class students are on the horizon, write RUBEN BRETT, PAUL WHITEHOUSE and DAN GRACE


