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Strike ends at National Museums Liverpool as union accepts offer

A deal has been struck which brings to an end more than 60 days of industrial action across the organisation’s venues

PCS members at the National Museums Liverpool have voted to accept the most recent pay offer, bringing an end to strike action which has amounted to more than 60 days.

Union members yesterday voted to accept an offer of a one-off £1,200 cost-of-living payment, two extra days’ holiday a year and a 35% discount in museum cafes.

The offer is £300 short of the original pay offer over which the union began its industrial action.

The strikes have since forced varied temporary closures at its venues; The Museum of Liverpool, World Museum, the International Slavery Museum and the Maritime Museum, the Walker Gallery, Sudley House and the Lady Lever Art Gallery.

National Museums Liverpool has previously argued that the £750,000 total cost of £1,500 cost-of-living payments would take it below its legal minimum reserve levels.

Strike suspended at National Museums Liverpool after more than 60 days

Laura Pye, Director of National Museums Liverpool said: “We would like to thank our colleagues, visitors and members for their patience and support over the past few months.

“We all want our museums and galleries to be fully open and concluding this action means we can be sure that our visitors will be able to enjoy our core offer and experience some of the great new exhibitions we have on over the coming months.”

PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote added: “After many months we are pleased to conclude this dispute, having secured a cost-of-living payment as well as tangible benefits which will have a long-term impact for our members.”