London Museum workers begin industrial action

Workers at the London Museum have begun a campaign of industrial action in a dispute over pay.

Members of the union Prospect held a “good natured but determined demonstration” as part of a day of strike action across the museum’s three sites last Thursday.

An official picket line of more than 100 staff attended the London Museum Docklands site, with many in fancy dress and carrying placards.

Workers at the London Wall site, which is closed as a museum but continues to operate as an event space, walked out at 10am to join the Docklands demonstration, stopping off at the new museum in Smithfield Market along the way.

The walkout was the first day of industrial action by the workers. Action short of a strike, including an overtime ban and the refusal of voluntary duties, began the following day and will run continuously until the dispute is resolved.

“This ongoing action is expected to have a real impact on business and on the museum’s timetable to open the new flagship site,” said a statement from Prospect.

According to Prospect, the workers submitted a claim last March and had to wait six months before their employer put forward a pay offer in response.

The union said that this and two other subsequent offers were rejected by members, with the final offer, of £420 consolidated +1% then another £150 consolidated, leading to an industrial action ballot.

Steve Thomas, the deputy general secretary of Prospect, said: “This was a day of action which showcased the best of our membership. People were full of energy, singing, making their presence felt and clearly communicating their message, but respectful and considerate at all times.

“The support from the public was outstanding with many listening to what we had to say and deciding to stay away from the museum until something is done.

“Senior management at the museum should take this as a warning how serious we are about getting a fair deal. We don’t want to take industrial action but having been forced into this action, it is now inevitable that the museum’s operation and the opening of the new flagship site will be affected unless management reconsider their position.

“Without the people who work there the new venue cannot achieve its potential. All our members are asking for is a fair deal and for their dedication to be recognised.”

A spokesperson from London Museum said: “We’ve carefully managed our finances this year so we could pay as large an award as possible to our staff. As a proud London Living Wage employer, this prioritised lower paid staff who received on average an overall increase of 5.5%, whilst senior staff received on average 2.6%.   

“We have given these negotiations careful consideration, prioritising the long-term care of our staff, alongside a sustainable financial position for the museum.   

“We always aim to be honest and transparent in our communications and will continue to engage openly with staff and unions in these negotiations.”