V&A Staff Ballot on Strike Action Over Pay and Heat
Workers at four London sites are voting on industrial action due to concerns over pay, heatwave conditions, and water access.
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Staff at four sites of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London are currently balloting for strike action. The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) launched the ballot on 23 July, citing unresolved concerns regarding pay, working conditions, and the impact of high temperatures on staff. More than 300 workers at the V&A's South Kensington museum, V&A East Museum and V&A East Storehouse in Stratford, and Young V&A in Bethnal Green are participating in the vote.
Pay and Living Wage Demands
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The PCS union is demanding a minimum 4% pay increase for V&A staff. A key demand is for the museum to become an accredited London living wage employer. The current London living wage stands at £14.80 per hour. While the V&A confirmed that all its directly employed staff are paid at least this rate, the union highlighted that some outsourced contractors do not receive the living wage. The V&A has indicated that its status as an accredited living wage employer will be reviewed later this year. Nick Marro, culture secretary at PCS, stated that management's refusal to address these issues makes the situation "unfair" and "unsafe" for members.
Heatwave Conditions and Water Access
The strike ballot is also driven by concerns over workplace temperatures and access to drinking water, particularly during recent high temperatures. The PCS is calling for policies to close public areas when temperatures exceed 30C, implement heat mitigation for back-of-house staff, and allow staff at V&A East Storehouse to carry and drink water while working in exhibit areas without needing to be relieved. A spokesperson for the V&A stated that staff safety and wellbeing are paramount, with all staff having access to water, toilet facilities, and regular breaks. The museum implemented measures during the heatwave, including additional rest breaks, increased staff rotations, and the closure of several galleries and Young V&A for 11 days during the peak heat.
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The V&A has stated that negotiations with trade unions have been ongoing since February. The museum's offer includes a 3.6% increase in the overall pay bill, with a minimum above-inflation award and a 6.9% increase for the lowest-paid colleagues. The museum also reiterated its commitment to paying at least the London living wage. The Prospect trade union is also balloting its members at the V&A over similar concerns, with its ballot closing on 29 July.
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