25 libraries closed in Paris, after employees’ right of withdrawal

Of the sixty libraries in Paris, 25 were closed this Saturday March 27, after the right of withdrawal of many employees, reports France Bleu Paris. Librarians are protesting against working conditions that they consider unsuitable for the epidemic outbreak in Ile-de-France.

Staff are particularly asking to limit the number of employees present at the same time in the libraries. “In November, we had two days of special leave of absence”, explains Guillaume Floris, CHSCT (Health, Safety and Working Conditions Committee) representative in the cultural affairs department. “We were even asked to resume certain services in the libraries”, he continues, “We are told that the situation is getting worse day by day and we are asked to open up our establishments a little more.”

Elected officials also point to faulty ventilation systems in some establishments, “conducive to aerosolization of the virus in places that host hundreds of people”.