Further strike dates at the British Museum have been announced for later this month as more than 60 of the charity’s workers are expected to take part in industrial action today.
The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) has asked members working for the charity to take part in further strike action for seven days from 13 February “as part of our national campaign over pay, pensions, job security and redundancy terms”.
Today, around 100,000 PCS members at 123 public bodies will be taking strike action, including workers at the British Museum, as well as Charity Commission and DCMS staff.
The further strikes planned at the museum are set to fall on school half term holidays.
Charity: Plan in place to cover strikes
A British Museum spokesperson said in a statement that the museum would open on a phased basis during the strike action today.
They said: “This industrial action is part of a nationwide dispute across the public sector and focuses on matter that are common across the sector and outside the control of the museum.
“We have a carefully rehearsed operational plan in place to respond to any staff shortages on strike days. That plan prioritises a safe and secure opening of the museum on a phased basis.
“We will endeavour to keep visitors informed of any disruption on our website with updates throughout the day.”
Union: ‘We want a fair deal’
Gareth Spencer, the president of the PCS culture group, told the Art Newspaper: “The past decade of austerity has eroded the pay of museum workers across the UK.
“Security guards and front of house workers at the British Museum have had enough of low or below inflation pay rises.”
“The government would rather use the museums sector for confected culture war talking points.”
He added: “We want a fair deal for all our members across the UK’s museums, galleries, libraries and for culture workers in the civil service.”
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