Alistair Hardaker
Image: British Library (CC BY-SA 2.0 fsse8info)
Ongoing dispute over pay sees further strikes planned from Monday 8 to Friday 12 December 2025.
Over 300 members of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) working in the British Library are to strike from Monday 8 to Friday 12 December 2025.
The strikes are announced in a continued dispute over pay, with the union arguing for an “inflation-proof” pay rise and restoration for what it argues is below inflation pay rises.
Last month, the British Library announced its Chief Executive Rebecca Lawrence had stepped down from the role, but did not expand on a reason for the departure. Dr Jeremy Silver will cover the role of Interim Chief Executive.
Since Lawrence’s resignation, PCS said it has met with Silver on two occasions to continue discussions on the pay dispute.
The union argues the “absence of stable leadership has significantly undoubtedly undermined staff confidence”.
PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: “We call on managers to rally and protect the institution they believe in. They must acknowledge the hard work and dedication of their staff. And they must focus budgets accordingly – on the poorest paid who are least rewarded.”
The additional dates follow a strike from 27 October to 9 November 2025, in which approximately 300 workers took part.
