V&A Museum Staff Plan Two-Day Strike At All London Sites

(MENAFN- USA Art News) Unionized staff at the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) are set to strike across all four of its London sites on October 29 and 30. This action stems from ongoing disputes regarding pay and working conditions, according to the unions.

This escalation follows two prior strike actions held at specific locations in early and late September. The discontent reportedly originated from accusations of“Amazon-style” working conditions at the recently opened V&A East Storehouse, specifically concerns over insufficient breaks for hydration and restroom use. Staff affiliated with Prospect Union's heritage division and the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) voted overwhelmingly in favor of strike action during the summer months.

Prospect Union's general secretary, Mike Clancy, stated in a press release,“Prospect members are dedicated to their jobs, and it is these dedicated staff who make the museum the world-class attraction it is.” Clancy also accused V&A Director Tristram Hunt of refusing to engage in negotiations with the unions, asserting that this“shows the level of disdain in which he holds his staff.” Both unions are advocating for minimum pay increases of 4% across the board, alongside an additional adjustment to raise the minimum hourly wage for the lowest-paid staff to £14.80 (approximately $20 ). Achieving this rate would enable the V&A to become a Real London Living Wage accredited employer.

Source: Hyperallergic

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