V&A Museum Staff Set to Strike Across All Four London Sites
Allegations of “Amazon-style” working conditions and calls for pay raises prompted unionized workers to authorize yet another strike at the UK museum network.
Negotiations between the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) and unionized staff continue, with plans to strike at all four London sites on October 29 and 30. The reason for the upcoming action is ongoing disputes surrounding pay and working conditions. This latest strike threat follows two previous actions in early September.
The discontent stems from accusations of "Amazon-style" working conditions at the recently opened V&A East Storehouse. Workers claim there aren't enough breaks for hydration and restroom use. Prospect Union's heritage division and the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) have voted in favor of strike action over the summer.
Mike Clancy, Prospect Union's general secretary, expressed pride in the staff and criticized V&A Director Tristram Hunt for not engaging in negotiations. Clancy accused Hunt of showing "the level of disdain in which he holds his staff."
Both unions are demanding a minimum pay increase of 4% across the board, along with a raise to bring the minimum hourly wage for the lowest-paid staff up to £14.80 (~$20). If achieved, this would make the V&A a Real London Living Wage accredited employer.
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