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Workers at the British Museum along with a number of other institutions across the UK are set to go on strike in February
Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 31 Jan 2023
Workers are set to strike during the busy half term period at the British Museum Credit: Tamara Menzi on Unsplash
As the cost of living crisis continues to make life difficult for people in Britain, staff workers at museums and cultural institutions across the UK are responding, with planned strikes in February over pay and labour conditions.
Both security and visitor services staff at the British Museum in London, as well as civil servants at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) have said they will not work under current conditions.
In addition, workers at the Wallace Collection, Historic England, National Museums Scotland, and the National Museum of Liverpool are also expected to join the strike action.
Pay is the primary reason for the strikes, with pay rises in the UK not reflecting the rise of inflation in Britain.
“This industrial action is part of a nationwide dispute across the public sector and focuses on matters that are common across the sector and outside the control of the museum,” said a statement from a British Museum spokesperson.
“We have a carefully rehearsed operational plan in place to respond to any staff shortages on the day. That plan prioritises a safe and secure opening of the museum on a phased basis. We will endeavour to keep visitors informed of any disruption on our website with updates throughout the day.”
The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), which represents the strike force, also made a comment, stating that the government needed to take its actions seriously.
“The success of the previous targeted strike action shows that we can really make an impact and demonstrates to the government that it needs to take our demands seriously,” said the statement.
“We are determined to keep the pressure on until the government improves its offer to members.
“Only by taking part in well-supported effective action, do we stand a chance of ending the cycle of low pay and getting the type of pay rise we deserve.”
Museums and galleries
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