Alistair Hardaker | Image: Young V&A (Victoria and Albert Museum / © Luke Hayes)
V&A East Museum, Storehouse and Young V&A close during 4-5 September strike.
A strike by V&A staff from two trade unions has forced the V&A to close later this week.
Members of the PCS and Prospect unions announced plans to strike last week, which are now due to take place on the 4th and 5th of September.
Today the V&A has announced that the planned industrial action has led the V&A East Museum and Storehouse, and Young V&A to close to visitors during the two-day strike.
V&A South Kensington and the Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art exhibition will remain open, but the V&A warned there may be individual gallery closures. It advised visitors to check its website before travelling.
In a statement the V&A said: “We are very sorry for the inconvenience to our visitors.
“We deeply regret that the Trade Unions have voted for strike action. We have been negotiating with them in good faith since February and have met the majority of their demands with a significantly improved offer, which we believe is fair, competitive and affordable. We remain available for negotiations with our Trade Union colleagues.”
The strikes have been planned in a dispute over pay and conditions. The PCS union said it wants the V&A to improve pay for Band 6 staff and above, become Real Living Wage accredited, and pay 1.5x for Bank Holiday work.
