Alistair Hardaker | Image: An aerial shot of the Smithfield site in 2023 © London Museum
Museum currently closed as it moves to new Smithfield site scheduled to open late 2026, with strike potentially impacting preparations.
Union members working for London Museum are to take strike action during half-term on Thursday 19 February in a dispute over pay.
Prospect union said the action will cover all workplaces at the museum.
Action short of a strike, including an overtime ban and the refusal of voluntary duties will commence on Friday 20 February and will be continuous.
London Museum, the former Museum of London, is currently closed as it moves to its new Smithfield site, which is scheduled to open to the public in late 2026.
The union said the strike could impact preparations for the new building.
Steve Thomas, deputy general secretary of Prospect, said its London Museum members “have worked tirelessly for the Museum and on the new flagship site but they have been left with no option but to take this action”.
Thomas called for “an improved offer that doesn’t leave people out of pocket.”
A spokesperson from London Museum told Advisor: “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.”
