Alistair Hardaker | Image: Prospect Union
Over 100 Prospect union members walked out in the first strike action at London Museum, with ongoing industrial action expected to affect operations.
Union members working at London Museum have taken strike action over fair pay in what was the first day of industrial action at the institution.
Over 100 staff attended a demonstration at the Docklands venue, with some in fancy dress and many carrying placards.
Workers at the London Wall site walked out at 10am to join the Docklands demonstration, stopping at the new museum in Smithfield, which is due to open later this year. The demonstration took place alongside an official picket.
The Prospect union said action short of a strike will run continuously, following the first day of strike action.
The union said the ongoing action is expected to have an impact on business and on the museum’s timetable to open the new flagship site.
Steve Thomas, deputy general secretary of Prospect, said: “Senior management at the museum should take this as a warning how serious we are about getting a fair deal. We don’t want to take industrial action but having been forced into this action, it is now inevitable that the museum’s operation and the opening of the new flagship site will be affected unless management reconsider their position.
London Museum has been approached for comment.
In a statement earlier this month, a spokesperson from London Museum said: “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.”
