Southampton librarians to strike for fourth time

Southampton library staff will go on strike for the fourth time in protest at plans to close two libraries and replace librarians with volunteers.

Unison members are to walk out at noon tomorrow in the long-running row with Southampton City Council over plans to fill vacancies with volunteers from the local community.

The strike has been timed to coincide with a full council meeting tomorrow.

Striking librarians will lobby councillors arriving for the meeting.

Unison union leaders will address councillors and hand in a petition opposing the closure of two libraries.