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National Museums Liverpool strike ends as workers accept pay deal
Dispute over cost-of-living payment led to widespread gallery closures
A longrunning strike at National Museums Liverpool (NML) has come to an end after museum workers voted to accept an improved pay offer.
The strike had resulted in more than 60 days of action and widespread gallery closures since February, affecting NML sites including the Museum of Liverpool, the World Museum, the International Slavery Museum and the Maritime Museum.
The dispute arose over a one-off £1,500 cost-of-living payment awarded to civil servants last year.
NML said its staff were not eligible for the award as the institution is not part of the civil service pay remit. It said it had not budgeted for the bonus and was prioritising consolidated wage increases rather than a one-off payment.
The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) Union’s members argued that the institution should make the payment as it is funded by central government and part of the civil service pensions scheme. It said that some NML workers were living below the poverty line as a result of the cost-of-living crisis.
The two parties have now agreed a deal whereby staff will receive a £1,200 one-off payment, two extra days of annual leave and a 35% discount in NML shops and cafes.
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Planned action last week was suspended so NML members could vote on the new offer.
PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote 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.”
In a separate statement, Heathcote added: “After many months we are pleased to conclude this dispute, having secured a cost-of-living payment as well as tangible benefits which will have a long-term impact for our members.”
A statement from NML said: “We are pleased to confirm that industrial action at National Museums Liverpool has been concluded. NML made an offer which was supported by the PCS branch executive and accepted by the PCS membership this week.”
The institution’s director, Laura Pye, said: “We would like to thank our colleagues, visitors and members for their patience and support over the past few months.
“We all want our museums and galleries to be fully open and concluding this action means we can be sure that our visitors will be able to enjoy our core offer and experience some of the great new exhibitions we have on over the coming months.”