Science museum staff vote for strike action over pay

5 Jun 2008 05:06 PM

PCS members working for the National Museum of Science and Industry (NMSI) have overwhelmingly voted for strike action in a dispute over below inflation pay.

71% of those taking part in the ballot voted for strike action whilst 85% indicated that they would be willing to take part in industrial action short of strike.

Staff are furious that a below inflation pay offer for 2007/08 and 2008/09 has been imposed on them at a successful time for the museum.

The pay offer which was delayed by over a year means that most PCS members will receive less than the headline amount of 3% for both years.

Starting salaries in the NMSI, including the Science Museum in London, the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television in Bradford, the National Railway Museum in York, and the Science Museum Swindon in Wiltshire are as low £11,342.

NMSI also operates a trading company to generate income and made an operating profit of over £1 million last year, exceeding its target by over 14% thanks to hard work of NMSI staff.

Its profits are expected to increase substantially in 2008. Staff in the trading company are on worse terms and conditions than museum staff, including having no access to civil service pensions, and also received a significantly below inflation offer for 2007/2008.

The union represents approximately 200 members working for NMSI.

Members have clearly shown their anger and frustration at the Museum’s decision to impose what amounts to a two year cut in their pay.

Ragesh Khakhria, PCS negotiations officer, said: "Members have clearly shown their anger and frustration at the Museum’s decision to impose what amounts to a two year cut in their pay.

"The ballot results from PCS and Prospect give management an opportunity to reopen meaningful negotiations with the unions and avoid a dispute."

Commenting, Mark Serwotka, PCS general secretary, said: "From museums and jobcentres to immigration and coastguards, the government’s below inflation pay policy is ever present in driving down wages and embedding a culture of low pay across civil and public services.

"Real term pay cuts for dedicated, hardworking staff are a disgrace and it is time that NMSI management started valuing their workforce and for the government to review its unjust pay policy."