Liverpool museums strike ends after workers accept pay deal

Long running industrial action by museum and gallery workers has been brought to an end after they accepted an improved pay offer.

Members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union have taken more than 60 days of strikes at National Museums Liverpool sites since February.

The dispute centred on a cost-of-living payment, with more than 100 workers taking part in the action.

Pickets have been a regular fixture outside the World Museum and Museum of Liverpool following a ballot of union members in January.

The PCS Union launched a campaign last year to secure a one-off cost of living payment of £1,500 for staff within the civil service pay remit to support them financially, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said

Museum bosses said staff were not eligible as they were not civil servants.

An offer of a one-off payment of £250, to be issued on a pro-rata basis, an additional two days leave, and a commitment to providing free tea and coffee to be made available in all staff rooms, was rejected in April.

On Sunday, PCS Union members 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.

This will now bring to a close the industrial action.

Fran Heathcote, PCS general secretary said: “Congratulations to our members at NML who through their strength and determination have won this dispute.

“They stood firm through many months of strike action and have now been rewarded with a significant sum and extra benefits.

“As always, PCS will stand by our members when they’re fighting for better pay, terms and conditions.

“This victory shows there is power in a union.”

Temporary closures have impacted the Museum of Liverpool, the World Museum, the International Slavery Museum and the Maritime Museum.

The Walker Gallery, Sudley House and the Lady Lever Art Gallery have also been affected.

The LDRS contacted National Museums Liverpool for comment.