Members of the Prospect union working at London Museum have accepted a 3.5% pay increase, bringing an ongoing industrial dispute to a close.
London Museum employees went on strike on 24 February in protest against what they described as an unacceptable pay increase in 2025, and continued with ongoing action short of a full strike thereafter.
As part of the first wave of demonstrations, over 100 staff attended a picket line at London Museum’s Docklands site in February.
The latest pay offer, applying to the year 2026/27, ends weeks of industrial action, securing a 96% favourable vote among those who took part, on a turnout of 86%.
Noel McClean, the deputy general secretary of Prospect, said: “Given cost of living pressures and low pay in the heritage sector it was essential that we secured above inflation pay for staff. Thanks to their industrial action we have been able to win this landmark deal which recognises the importance of expertise alongside buildings and artefacts.”
McClean said the new pay offer set a sector-wide benchmark and demonstrated the value of workers: “For too long our members in heritage, upon whom the whole industry relies, have been taken for granted, with any investment going into capital projects instead of people."
He stressed that fair payment of museum staff was crucial to maintain heritage sites: “These are institutions which are vital to both UK tourism and to preserving our nation’s rich history. We will not allow our members to be short-changed and for that history to be put at risk.”
The London Museum was contacted for comment.
