V&A Staff Suspend Half-Term Strike After New Pay Offer

Museum employees at the Victoria and Albert Museum suspended a planned two-day strike following a revised pay proposal from management. The walkout was set for Thursday and Friday during the half-term break. Union members from Prospect and the Public and Commercial Services unions had voted to close the main galleries in south Kensington, along with the V&A East, Storehouse, and Young V&A locations in east London.

Management presented an average pay increase of 4.18%. The lowest-paid staff would see a 6.9% rise in their salaries. The offer also includes bank holiday pay at time and a half and a sector-leading bonus scheme. Management stated that they are subsidizing food for staff at all V&A sites.

The unions initially demanded a 4% pay raise for staff earning above the living wage. They also wanted the museum to become an accredited London living-wage employer within 12 months. Current demands include better conditions during heatwaves and improved food options at the east London sites. In July, a V&A spokesperson noted that extensive measures were introduced for heatwaves, including extra rest breaks and closing galleries during peak heat.

The dispute has already resulted in two separate two-day strikes in September. The London living wage is currently set at £15.45 per hour. While the V&A states all its staff meet this rate, some outsourced contractors do not. V&A Dundee, which is not part of this dispute, holds living-wage accreditation.

Tristram Hunt, the V&A director and former Labour MP, was called upon by Prospect general secretary Mike Clancy to join the negotiations. Clancy criticized Hunt for not participating personally. He stated that the staff make the museum a world-class attraction and that Hunt’s absence showed disdain for them.

Paula Lamont, Prospect’s national secretary, said the union would enter talks in good faith. She expressed hope for a resolution to the dispute. A V&A spokesperson confirmed that all museums will remain open this week for exhibitions and free displays. Visitors are advised to check the website because some events may still be cancelled or postponed.

The strike suspension allows for talks facilitated by the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service. The unions confirmed the pause to allow these negotiations to proceed.