V&A workers ballot for strike over pay and heatwave conditions
7 reported
Workers at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) are balloting for strike action over concerns about pay, soaring temperatures, and access to drinking water. The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) launched the ballot on July 23, covering more than 300 workers at four V&A sites in London. The union is calling for a minimum 4% pay increase, a policy to close public areas when temperatures exceed 30C, and heat mitigation measures for back-of-house staff. The V&A has offered a 3.6% increase in the overall pay bill and says all staff are paid at least the London living wage. The museum also stated that it implemented measures during the heatwave, including additional rest breaks and closing some galleries. The Prospect trade union is also balloting its members at the V&A, with its ballot closing on July 29.
What’s reported
The PCS launched the strike ballot on July 23 over pay, heat exposure, and access to drinking water.
More than 300 workers at four V&A London sites are taking part: South Kensington, V&A East Museum, V&A East Storehouse, and Young V&A.
The union demands a minimum 4% pay increase, closure of public areas above 30C, and water access for workers at V&A East Storehouse.
The V&A offered a 3.6% increase in the overall pay bill and a 6.9% increase for lowest-paid colleagues.
The V&A confirmed all staff are paid at least the London living wage (£14.80/hour), but outsourced contractors are not; the museum says accreditation will be reviewed later this year.
The V&A stated it closed Young V&A on 11 days during the peak of the heatwave and closed several galleries at South Kensington.
The Prospect trade union is also balloting members, with its ballot closing on July 29.
Key figures
Nick Marro, culture secretary at PCS
A spokesperson for the V&A (not named)
Sources: The Guardian
