Strike action due to take place this week across the Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum charity’s sites has been called off following a breakthrough in pay negotiations.
Trade unions Prospect and Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) agreed to suspend the 29 and 30 October strike days after reporting that an improved pay offer had been received.
Last Tuesday, Prospect announced that V&A members in London would walk out on those two days over a dispute around pay and working conditions.
But this has now been called off to facilitate further negotiations, the V&A charity confirmed.
“Negotiations have been ongoing since February and we hope a resolution can be reached as soon as possible,” the charity said on its website.
“Our latest pay offer delivers an average 4.18% pay rise and a 6.9% increase for our lowest-paid colleagues; increased bank holiday pay to 1.5, alongside a sector-leading bonus scheme and a subsidised food offer for staff at all V&A sites.
“All our staff are already paid at least the London Living Wage – and work is underway reviewing accreditation.”
It added that all its museums would be open as normal this week, including all exhibitions and free displays.
Hope for resolution to dispute
PCS welcomed the new pay offer and plans for further talks, but it did not rule out future measures.
“Should these negotiations fail to produce a deal that is acceptable to our members, however, PCS will announce further strike action,” it said in a statement.
“PCS members at the V&A are determined to get the deal they deserve.”
PCS added that it has entered negotiations with the charity over water bottle provision and “adequate” seating for front-of-house staff at the V&A storehouse.
Its members had sought a higher pay award and London Living Wage accreditation at the charity.
“They are also looking for heat mitigation measures, improved food offers at the east sites and a new industrial relations framework,” it added.
Paula Lamont, Prospect national secretary, welcomed the “improved offer” from V&A.
“We will be entering talks in good faith and hope that a resolution to the dispute can be found,” Lamont added.
The union’s members at the V&A charity previously undertook strike action on 4, 5, 25 and 26 September.
