How can trade unions support library employees?

Abstract

Norwegian Union of Municipal and General Employes (NUMGE) is the largest union in Norway with nearly 360 000 members. We have more than 100 different occupations represented. This is a great number of members and the diversity gives NUMGE both strength and responsibility towards societal development.

Our poster is based upon a master’s degree from Oslo Metropolitan University in 2017, titled "Where no one could believe, that so much could happen". The students interviewed library employees in several Norwegian public libraries. Their investigations revealed some interesting results about every day challenges in the library. Library employees meet a lot of different people every day, and most people are of course friendly and polite but there are also people who challenge the employees with their behavior. Library employees are hesitant to complain about their working conditions, and most people seem to think that a library is the most peaceful place on earth.

It is important that employees feel safe at work. A trade union’s main purpose is to support their members when fighting for decent working conditions. Our poster will point out both challenges and hopefully some useful solutions.