Image: Tate Britain's garden © Tate
PCS engaged in discussions with Tate regarding 7% staffing cost reduction, expressing concerns about workforce depletion
The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) has said it is currently engaged in discussions with Tate about an ongoing restructure which would see a 7% reduction in staffing costs.
PCS said it is working closely with its Tate branch to resist potential redundancies, find suitable alternative employment for members and consider alternative proposals put forward by members.
Last month, a Tate spokesperson told Advisor that it had been working with colleagues for a number of months to achieve a 7% reduction.
It said: “To eliminate the deficit leftover from the pandemic, we have strengthened new income streams, strategically prioritised our most impactful activities, and carefully streamlined our workforce.
“This streamlining has been achieved through voluntary means – by not replacing vacant roles and by accepting voluntary exits – working closely with colleagues and unions over a number of months. Such changes ensure we have the stability we need to continue being as ambitious and innovative as ever.”
PCS said it had “significant concerns” about the effect of the restructuring on workers, including “low morale, a depleted workforce, and a loss of expertise in the sector”.
A further issue for members centres on proposals for a reduction to staff benefit, including the removal of the current subsidised canteen service at Tate Britain and Tate Modern with an outsourced self-service vending solution at all sites.
PCS department for digital, culture, media and sport group president Hannah David said there
was a wider trend of workers “being treated as disposable, despite playing a vital role in preserving national heritage sites”.
“PCS members in galleries, museums and heritage organisations have endured years of job insecurity, stagnant pay, and salary compressions. We urgently need a national government strategy to redress this worrying trend.”
